Is Mentorship All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
I have a mixed opinion of “mentorship.”
What about you?
Not that I would ever say having a mentor is a negative! By all means, it’s such a career booster, no matter how you engage with one.
I haven’t had an “official” mentor, per se, for the duration of my career. As in, I’ve never gone out and solicited someone to coach me in my work and line my career aspirations up with my goals.
I’ve been blessed with peers along the way who, just by nature of who they are and how they lead, took me under their wing to set me up for success. These leaders - whether above or beside me - taught me how to lead without authority, communicate professionally, and have more emotional intelligence in my conversations.
That last one I’m still working on…
When you’re going through a career transition or just starting out in the working world and may not know which direction to head, officially enlisting a mentor is one of the best bets you can make on yourself to get where you want to go.
After all, we all have blind spots and must continue growing into the best versions of ourselves. Mentors can help get us there.
Here are 5 reasons pursuing an official mentor will benefit you and your career:
Guidance at career crossroads
One of the main advantages of having a mentor is the guidance they provide during crucial career crossroads and transitions. Maybe you’re contemplating going for a promotion, navigating office politics, or pondering a major career shift; a mentor’s wisdom can be instrumental in helping you suss out the next step.
Drawing from their experience, mentors offer insights that help you make informed decisions, avoid potential pitfalls, and ensure a smoother career trajectory.
They ask the right questions to get you thinking in new ways about your situation. Then, they can move out of the way and allow you to make the best decision for YOU.
Skill enhancement and continuous learning
In today’s fast-paced professional world and competitive landscape, staying in the loop with industry trends is crucial.
That’s where a mentor becomes your go-to source of valuable knowledge! They’re like your own personal library of wisdom, giving you the lowdown on developing your skills and pointing you to the most relevant resources.
Thanks to this mentor magic, you can scoop up new skills and ride the wave of change in your field. Think of it as mentor-driven learning. This helps you, as a professional, acquire new skills and adapt to the ever-changing demands of your respective field, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. It’s all about keeping that growth vibe alive and thriving!
Expanded network and professional connections
We’ve talked about it again and again in this course: Networking is the lifeblood of career advancement. A mentor can open doors to a world of professional connections.
Capitalizing on their established network, mentors can introduce you to key industry players, potential collaborators, and even job opportunities.
The mentor-mentee relationship often extends beyond one-on-one interactions, providing access to a broader community that can significantly enhance your professional circle.
Building confidence and overcoming challenges
No matter how far along in your career, navigating the challenges of your professional life can sometimes be daunting, leading to self-doubt and indecision.
A mentor, acting as a trusted advisor, provides practical solutions and emotional support. Through regular check-ins and constructive feedback, mentors help mentees build confidence, enabling them to tackle challenges head-on and emerge stronger from setbacks.
Let’s take a second to think about how often imposter syndrome sneaks into our day-to-day lives. And it doesn’t stop just because you get a seat in a really impressive boardroom.
We are wrought, especially as women, with insecurities - in our work, time management, and family boundaries - and having someone to step in to remind us of who we are is vital to our well-being and ability to move forward.
Don’t let the voice in your head get the best of you! A mentor can always gently remind you of who you truly are and what unique gifts you bring to the table.
Accelerated professional growth
Mentorship is like a turbocharger for professional growth. The personalized guidance and insights a mentor provides can accelerate your career progression, helping you achieve milestones faster than you might on your own. The mentor’s role is about offering advice and empowering you to realize your full potential and reach heights you may not have thought possible.
Mentorship is a cornerstone for achieving long-term career success. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding talent, having a mentor by your side can make all the difference in your journey.
How exactly do you find a mentor?!
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Before reaching out, thoroughly research potential mentors who align with your career goals and values. Identify individuals whose experiences and expertise resonate with your aspirations.
And don’t forget! They may be right under your nose! For example, a current peer or someone role adjacent to you may be an excellent fit for a mentor. For short-term coaching, you may not have to look too far.
The best mentors I’ve had have been in my working teams. They knew my style and could coach me as I was, aiming to improve my skills and abilities. And yes, we’re still friends to this day. I can reach out to them with questions, concerns, and needs for advice, and they’re open and available to step up and help determine the next course of action.
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If you’re looking for something more formal, you’ll want to establish a connection with your potential mentor before making a formal request.
If available, attend industry events to learn in the rooms where they’re sharing information or learning themselves, engage with their content on LinkedIn, or participate in discussions where they’re active. This helps create familiarity and sets the stage for a more natural interaction.
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When reaching out, express genuine interest in their work and achievements. Compliment specific aspects of their career that have inspired you. This demonstrates that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in their input and guidance.
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Be clear about what you hope to gain from the mentorship. Articulate your career goals and how you believe they can contribute to your professional development. This clarity helps the potential mentor understand the purpose and potential impact of the mentorship.
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Rather than making a vague request, propose a specific ask for their time. This could be a one-time informational interview, a monthly check-in, or a more formal mentorship arrangement.
You need to do your homework and figure out precisely what you’re looking for and why. A specific proposal demonstrates that you respect their time and have thought about the structure of the mentorship.
Remember, as of right now, you’re the only one who stands to get something out of this relationship, so you want to make it as easy of a life as possible for them to say yes and get engaged!
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Once you get into the weeds, mentorship quickly becomes a two-way street. Highlight what you bring to the table – your enthusiasm, commitment to growth, and any skills or experiences that might interest them. Demonstrating your value as a mentee can make your request more appealing.
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Craft a professional and concise message. Respect the potential mentor's time by keeping your communication brief while conveying your sincerity and enthusiasm. Avoid overly lengthy emails or messages. (wink)
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Recognize that the potential mentor may be busy. Offer an ‘out’ option, acknowledging that you understand if they can’t commit now. This shows respect for their schedule and establishes a considerate tone.
Maybe they’ll be open to your checking in next quarter, or they may suggest someone open to a more formal mentor/mentee relationship! They may even be open to a more casual agreement. Whatever the case, be open to various takes on this engagement. Make it fun!
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Don’t hear right away from your potential mentor match? Don’t get discouraged! People are busy, and even if they genuinely want to get back to you, they may forget as your note falls further down their inbox list.
If you don’t receive a response after your initial message, consider a polite follow-up after a reasonable period. Express continued interest and reiterate the value you believe their mentorship could bring to your professional journey.
Let them know you’re “trying again!” gently and casually (not with any attitude, of course), and it will help bring you to the top of their mind.
The investment in mentorship is an investment in YOU and your professional future.
Do you need a thought partner to help you seek out mentorship opportunities and learn how to cultivate and nurture these relationships?
I’d love to chat about how we can build a game plan to get you more informational interviews and mentorship opportunities through clarity and interview coaching.
Book a free consult or, let’s jump right in!
Here’s to your growth,
🥂 nicole:)
