Mentors

The other day someone asked me about mentors. Does everyone need one? What do you actually talk about with your mentor? 

I thought these were great questions. The simple answer to both questions is: it depends.

I don't think you need to have a mentor simply because all the career books say that if you are serious about your career you should have a mentor. I do think you should consider getting a mentor if you need help with advancing your career or transitioning into a new role or managing the balance between your personal and professional life. Sure, you could probably figure out how to navigate through each of these situations on your own, but wouldn't it be helpful to talk to someone who has been there and done that?

The best way to find a mentor is to look around you and identify someone you respect, admire and is a step above you in the organization (so they have experience and wisdom to share). Reach out and ask the person if they would be willing to meet with you on an occasional basis to give you professional advice. Let them know that you are seeking them out because you like how they work or have great respect for what they have accomplished. Promise them that you will come to your meetings with specific questions and will be respectful of their time. And when they agree to be your mentor, be sure to thank them.

I currently mentor 5 individuals. Two of them are managers who work for me; one is a manager in another department; and the other two are from other organizations (we met through a professional society). Four of the five meet with me on a monthly basis; the other one meets with me a few times a year or whenever she needs help with something.

Here is a sampling of the conversations I have had with these individuals:

How do I position myself for a CIO role?

How do you manage up?

How can I get better at public speaking?

Will you look at my resume and provide some feedback?

I have been given 3 new departments to manage and I'm feeling overwhelmed.

I feel like I am drowning at work. What can I do to manage my time better?

Will you do a mock interview with me to help me prepare for a real interview?

A mentor can provide tremendous value if you know what you need from the relationship. And don't be shy about approaching someone to mentor you. Most people are flattered to be asked.

• Careers
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• mentors