Mentor alert and request. I am writing an article on the value of mentorship. We need your input!
1. How did you find your first mentor?
2. What advice would you give to people looking for one?
When I talk to people earlier in their career, they often ask how to find a mentor. Every person and the community that surround them are different and provide unique opportunities.
I’ve found some common themes on mentorship. You can read the expanded version in a post from earlier this year – Lessons from a squash pro.
- Mentors typically find mentees when they see you working incredibly hard. Look inward first. Once you do they will start to find you. When someone senior offers to help you make a request for a monthly connect.
- Use your peers as mentors. Everyone knows something you don’t. Give your best ideas away. Start a peer sharing group. A peer breakfast club I had many years ago, to this day, was one of my biggest paths to growth.
- Give back. Mentorship starts by paying it forward. Not only does this it help you master your craft by teaching – it helps you get noticed.
If you are looking to get started right away order this book:
Tim Ferris, Tribe of Mentors. Learn from amazing global leaders from Arianna Huffington, Larry King, Maria Sharapova to our own Marc Benioff and more. I’ve already sent this book to four friends!!
To an incredible year ahead for all of us.
Colin
The kick in the pants you need. Sign-up for a better start to your work day.