Find a Great Mentor with These 7 Tips

Find a Great Mentor with These 7 TipsFind a Great Mentor with These 7 TipsThere are many essential ingredients to a successful career, but one that people often overlook is having a ratgeber. These individuals can provide guidance that can help you in your current role and steer you towards a rewarding professional path. In addition, a berater will often extend introductions to those in their professional networks, which can be beneficial if you find yourself in the job market.Unfortunately, many people fail to establish ratgeber relationships because they are intimidated by the prospect of identifying and approaching someone of influence.Following these seven tips can make identifying a mentor less daunting1. Determine what you need in a mentorTake advantage of formal mentoring programs that pair new or junior employees with mora experienced colleagues if your company offers them. But dont be discouraged if your company does not have a formal program- it is possible to find a mento r on your own.Before you begin your search, consider what you hope to gain from the relationship. Consider the specific qualities the person should possess, as well as how he or she might assist you. Its usually best to select someone who has more years of experience and a career path similar to the one youre following.Identify someone who you admire and respect. You can pick an individual who currently works with you or look for a mentor outside your company. Your mentor should ideally be someone who is not in a formal position to evaluate your job performance. Instead, select someone with whom you can talk candidly about career and workplace issues.2. Conduct a personality checkYou may be in awe of someones work, but sheer talent doesnt always translate into an ability to coach. You need someone who is patient and willing to spend time with you. A mentor should also be generous and honest with advice.3. Take the initiativeDont expect a mentor to come to you. After identifying some one whose success and work style you admire, approach him or her and explain that you would enjoy finding out more about the skills and techniques that have helped the person excel. Try not to request too much of this individuals time, particularly at the beginning of the relationship. People will be more receptive to serving as a mentor if doing so doesnt require considerable effort.4. Address any concernsPeople who are approached as mentors are often flattered to be asked and happy to help. However, if someone is hesitant, find out why and suggest ways to make it easier for him or her to provide assistance. If the person seems pressed for time, for example, you might reduce the frequency of meetings or ask him or her to refer someone else who might have a more flexible schedule.5. Take an active roleOnce youve found someone you think would be a great mentor, its important for you to take responsibility for the process. When you meet with him or her, bring a list of questions, but dont expect your contact to have all of the answers. Research issues before you bring them up.6. Be appreciativeRespect your mentors time and adhere to some basic business etiquette rules. Always arrive on time for meetings and keep in mind that while its OK to reach out to your mentor between formal meetings, dont take advantage by constantly calling or emailing him or her. Show your appreciation, too. Send your mentor a thank-you note after a particularly helpful coaching session and always offer to provide any assistance you can in his or her career.7. Think in the long termYou and your mentor may experience some growing pains, so give the relationship time to develop. However, dont be discouraged if your initial mentorship doesnt last. You will likely have several mentors throughout your career. Its not uncommon to seek help from multiple people to address different aspects of work.While it may require some effort to begin the mentoring process, the long-term rewards can be sign ificant. Dont overlook this valuable career resource. The guidance you receive will place you in a better position to achieve your professional goals.Do you have a mentor- or do you serve as a mentor to others? What other pointers do you have for establishing an effective mentor relationship?