Tip #1
Self-assess. Ask yourself, “What skills do I need to get where I want to go?” Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all need help and can’t be the best at everything.
Tip #2
Identify your learning goals. Put them in writing and execute.
Tip #3
Decide together how the mentoring relationship will work – frequency and type of contact. Create time and space for the relationship to blossom.
Tip #4
Commit the time. Don’t give up if the chemistry doesn’t feel right at the first meeting. Meet a minimum of once per month. Touch base regularly – by e-mail, phone, in person. Make regular contact a priority.
Tip #5
Take time to build trust and communication. Get to know each other on a personal level. Discuss your backgrounds, interests, career histories, and perspectives of your organizations.
Tip #6
Keep confidences. Nothing kills trust in a mentoring relationship faster than a breach of confidence. Both parties need to openness that only a trusting relationship can provide.
Tip #7
Be sensitive to cultural and gender differences. Do a little homework. And listen. You learn a lot more by not talking and truly listening to what someone has to say.
Tip #8
Understand and plan for the phases of a mentoring relationship. Build in time for evaluation and closure. Accomplish your goals. Do not quit.
Tip #9
This is about learning, whether you’re a protégé or a mentor. Keep a journal or document progression of the relationship.
Tip #10
You don’t need a single mentor who you keep throughout your career. What you need is a mind-set that allows you to learn from those around you, no matter who they are.
In summary, to get ahead, create your own multitalented “board of advisors.” Surround yourself with people who are better and smarter than you at specific tasks. Learn to listen and most importantly be humble by checking your ego at the door. For more information about working with a mentor visit www.EthosMentor.com.
About the author:
Ellisa Brenneman started her career, after receiving her Bachelor Degree from the University of British Columbia, with the Canadian government merging academic rigor and business savvy to produce and disseminate research findings. She has been published multiple times in scientific journals for her research findings. A born entrepreneur; her zeal for entrepreneurism soon took hold. She’s started green businesses and has vast experience managing public, media and investor relations for small-cap public companies. Ellisa is the owner of Ethos Mentor. Ethos Mentor provides entrepreneurs with affordable one on one mentoring, business coaching and capital raising services so they can launch and grow their businesses. Visit http://www.ethosmentor.com for additional information.