The Value Of A Mentor
Why is it that as we progress through our lives, we often get the message that we have something to prove? We believe that we have to be proficient at everything in order to be considered successful. What is it about our ego that causes us to value who we are based on what others think?
Sadly in our society this mindset is very common. Even more concerning is that in the work place environment it is even worse. So often the culture we work in is overly competitive and each person is looking to “get theirs”. We believe we have to continually prove ourselves or do things on our own so we aren’t considered incompetent. We fear that someone else will make us look bad, or worse take our position. Is it our ego? What are we afraid of? Why don’t we help each other?
I have never understood why people don’t cooperate and work together more often. Doesn’t it make sense that collectively, we can accomplish more? What if, it was the norm, not the exception that you were able to get help from the people you interact with everyday? What if your co-workers were people that cared about your success as much as you do? What if they wanted you to succeed, and together you found ways to empower each other? What if this ideal was already a reality that many successful people tap into each and every day?
Suppose you knew that with this tool, your chances of success in your job and in your life would actually increase exponentially. Take a moment to think of what it would be like to have a person whose sole purpose was to help you learn the skills you need to move ahead. What if they were able to support you in reaching your goals and dreams? They would help you identify and overcome your weaknesses and then assist you in developing new contacts. This individual would share their knowledge with the only goal being to move you forward.
That’s the value of a mentor. That is why so many successful people actively look for the perfect mentor. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mentor as “a trusted counselor or guide.” A mentor is actually someone who has more experience, and can share their knowledge with you. This individual has walked the walk you are just beginning, and will make your journey more rewarding!
Entrepreneurs and Executives seek the advice and support of mentors each and every day. Its part of how they do business, and how they advance their own careers and skill sets. People who make the most of working with their mentors, move up the ladder at a much quicker pace, than those who venture out on their own. You may feel that you can handle things by yourself, and while that may be the truth, your career will accelerate exponentially if you know the right people and understand what it takes to move forward.
A well chosen mentor can cut your learning curve in half, introduce you to the right contacts and create opportunities that you alone may not notice. Their value is immeasurable, and can take your career and your life to new levels. The key to making the most out of your mentor relationship is to choose wisely. Far and away the best place to look for a mentor is right in front of you. Look around. Is there an individual who you admire and respect? It could be someone who has always impressed you with their insight and perceptiveness, or maybe it is someone you don’t know yet. Maybe it’s a co-worker that took an idea and made an impact, or perhaps it’s your boss. It could even be a retired individual who has lots of experience in a particular area. When you start looking, you will be surprised at the number of people you know that you can be mentored by.
The biggest key to choosing a mentor is to seek out the people you want to emulate. A good mentor can make a world of difference in how we succeed and progress in our careers, and they can serve a variety of purposes. They may offer us advice and guidance in getting ahead in the world, or give us encouragement when things are difficult. A good mentor will even push us when we need to break through the fears that are holding us back. Here are some guidelines and tips that can help you find a good mentor.
1. Think about your needs and what you’d like your mentor to do for you.
2. Think about and list possible mentors that fit that description.
3. Decide how you will approach the prospective mentor(s), when asking them to assist you
4. Be patient, it may take some time before you find a person that you work well with that meets your needs.
Like all worthwhile pursuits, finding a mentor takes some work and may involve stepping out of your comfort zone, but the benefits that you will gain will be worthwhile, and will make a huge difference in the future of your career.
Copyright 2007 Judy Davis, P.O. Box 138, Clarkston, MI 48347-0138If you would like to have Judy speak at your event or teleconference email judydavis@ReclaimU.com. For more information on making a positive change in your business or life visit http://www.ReclaimU.com
Judy Davis, Co-founder of ReclaimU & JSG, is an entrepreneur, business owner, published author and motivational speaker. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Judy empowers others to believe in themselves and their abilities. Her laid back, personal style incorporates humor and real life experience in everything that she does, while creating an atmosphere of trust and sincerity that people embrace. Judy is a true connector that inspires others to live their lives abundantly.
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