“Shaun, thanks for sharing your background in last week’s post. My question for you this week, is how do you recommend I find my mentor?” Sarah C.
Sarah, I really enjoyed your question because I definitely have mentors, believe in mentors, and at the same time I did not set out with a plan to have quality mentors. My response will start with the value of mentors, then recommendations for finding strategic mentors, and finally the relationship.
The word ‘mentor’ comes from Homer's Odyssey. Mentor, in his old age, was a friend of Odysseus.
I believe all successful leaders have mentors in their career. Read biographies and autobiographies and each will talk about mentors in their careers. In my personal career when I run into a wall or a challenging situation, I usually call one or more of my mentor’s to get their advice. Mentors have been instrumental in my personal and professional success. Whether you are in the beginning, middle (like myself), or nearing the end, I strongly recommend you find multiple mentors both inside and outside of your company. There are so many sources to find mentors.
Your Manager: In my case, my primary mentors all have been my managers at one time. One of the primary benefits of your manager being a mentor, is they are already aligned and invested in your personal success. Where it becomes challenging is when you find an opportunity outside of your company and the natural conflict of interest. I personally have mentored people who worked for me, and I have agreed and supported their decision to take another job. In other cases, I have recommended they not take a job outside of the company.
Other Employees: Next, I would look for mentors within your company. They can come from anywhere. Other successful sales people, I admire and respect successful sales people and when I start at a new company I search out the successful individual sales contributors to get their feedback and find out why they are successful. Other sales managers, this will help you build a network within your company but be cautious because at political companies this can be challenging for both you and your mentor. Other departmental leaders, if for example the culture of your company is a product company, find a mentor in the product division.
Personal Network: Take a look at your personal network at who is successful and ask them for assistance. If you in the beginning of your career look at your parents and extended family networks.
Professional Network: Review your professional network for mentors. At my current company, I have recently built a relationship with a senior executive at one of our business partners, and I have called him with non-partnership questions to get his feedback on issues or his insight on our industry.
Professional Associations: Join a professional association and network to find a mentor.
Once you have determined who you would like to be your mentor, I recommend contacting them to let them know you would like their assistance with your long term career. In my personal experience, I find most people want to help others and if they don’t have the time, they will let you know and you can find another mentor. Also, once they have agreed to help you, you will feel more comfortable taking up their time. In the early stages of the mentorship, I recommend setting up regular contact, a monthly lunch, a bi-weekly call, a weekly bike ride, etc.
Sarah, 'Good Mentoring’. Reader Feedback, please click the comments below to give ‘Sarah' additional recommendations and I want your feedback on my response. Shaun Priest aka CloserQ
Sarah, I really enjoyed your question because I definitely have mentors, believe in mentors, and at the same time I did not set out with a plan to have quality mentors. My response will start with the value of mentors, then recommendations for finding strategic mentors, and finally the relationship.
The word ‘mentor’ comes from Homer's Odyssey. Mentor, in his old age, was a friend of Odysseus.
I believe all successful leaders have mentors in their career. Read biographies and autobiographies and each will talk about mentors in their careers. In my personal career when I run into a wall or a challenging situation, I usually call one or more of my mentor’s to get their advice. Mentors have been instrumental in my personal and professional success. Whether you are in the beginning, middle (like myself), or nearing the end, I strongly recommend you find multiple mentors both inside and outside of your company. There are so many sources to find mentors.
Your Manager: In my case, my primary mentors all have been my managers at one time. One of the primary benefits of your manager being a mentor, is they are already aligned and invested in your personal success. Where it becomes challenging is when you find an opportunity outside of your company and the natural conflict of interest. I personally have mentored people who worked for me, and I have agreed and supported their decision to take another job. In other cases, I have recommended they not take a job outside of the company.
Other Employees: Next, I would look for mentors within your company. They can come from anywhere. Other successful sales people, I admire and respect successful sales people and when I start at a new company I search out the successful individual sales contributors to get their feedback and find out why they are successful. Other sales managers, this will help you build a network within your company but be cautious because at political companies this can be challenging for both you and your mentor. Other departmental leaders, if for example the culture of your company is a product company, find a mentor in the product division.
Personal Network: Take a look at your personal network at who is successful and ask them for assistance. If you in the beginning of your career look at your parents and extended family networks.
Professional Network: Review your professional network for mentors. At my current company, I have recently built a relationship with a senior executive at one of our business partners, and I have called him with non-partnership questions to get his feedback on issues or his insight on our industry.
Professional Associations: Join a professional association and network to find a mentor.
Once you have determined who you would like to be your mentor, I recommend contacting them to let them know you would like their assistance with your long term career. In my personal experience, I find most people want to help others and if they don’t have the time, they will let you know and you can find another mentor. Also, once they have agreed to help you, you will feel more comfortable taking up their time. In the early stages of the mentorship, I recommend setting up regular contact, a monthly lunch, a bi-weekly call, a weekly bike ride, etc.
Sarah, 'Good Mentoring’. Reader Feedback, please click the comments below to give ‘Sarah' additional recommendations and I want your feedback on my response. Shaun Priest aka CloserQ
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