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Q: I hear a lot of people talk about having a mentor. What is the real value in finding a mentor at work?
-Alice Irving, Plano, Texas
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Dear Alice, A mentor can be a valuable, if not indispensable, part of growing and achieving your career goals. They can warn you of pitfalls, give valuable advice and provide long term guidance. More than just a networking contact who may give advice from time to time, a great mentor is someone who has a long-term commitment to you and an investment in your future. What does a mentor do?
A mentor should help you assess your skills, goals and abilities as well as help you sharpen your talents and attain your goals. They should be someone who you can be honest with who you also feel is honest with you. If you have a mentor in your company, they can help you understand who the key players are and assist you with navigating tricky issues such as company politics or even how to best develop your goals an interests there. How do I find a mentor?
First, your employer, school alma mater, or other organization you may be involved with might already have a mentoring program in place. Check there first, since these structured arrangements likely begin with formal questions or tests to match you with an ideal partner. If this is not available to you, think about someone you like and respect as well as what skills you are looking to bolster with their help. What do you need in a mentor? A mentor should be someone who you not only respect but also feel comfortable talking to and being honest with. It should ideally be a person who may have a similar background to you—for example, if you come from a diverse background, it may be especially to meet with a successful person from a similar background who has already navigated your work environment and knows the ropes. After a few meetings, you should be able to assess whether you feel comfortable in the relationship. Do you feel trusted, and do you trust this person? Are the expectations on both sides realistic? Are you receiving valuable feedback, and can you discuss a wide range of topics and issues? Finding and building a relationship with a mentor can make a big difference in your career and even in yourself. Seymour
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