Recently there was a question on one of the social networking sites about mentors and the benefits of mentoring. It was easily answered (repeatedly) by lots of professionals with what we all know to be true. Mentors and mentoring are extremely beneficial to one's career.
I had a bit of a different view to express. Don't get me wrong, mentoring and being mentored is a really good and powerful thing. My point is it has to be a "good" mentor and sometimes the benefit is in discovering and firing a "bad" mentor.
I've enjoyed my share of phenomenal mentors who I connect with to this day. And I've had my share of "bad" mentors. What's "bad"? The have decided how I should walk, talk, dress and choose to be successful. They think being "one of the boys" and denying who you are is the only way to succeed. I will say this though, they did model that belief and behavior and they were none the happier for it.
It was painful for me to realize that this person I looked to for guidance and advice could not be my "superhero" any longer. But I decided to be much more selective in whom I chose to learn from. This led to some tips that may help you, too, if you're looking to work with a mentor.
Most often we look for mentors who are successful and want to learn from them. There is lots of good information you can get before you select your "superhero"!
- Find out what they did to become successful
- What mistakes did they make?
- What they would never, ever do again?
- Have they ever experienced an unpleasant experience with a protégé? What happened?
- Who else have you mentored? (and go find out where they are today)
Listen behind and between the words. If there are a lot of "I's", as in I did, I taught, I showed, then you know where their attention is. However, if they share "my protégé or mentee did, accomplished, became" then you know they take the power to help others succeed seriously.
Mentors and mentoring can help you achieve incredible success at a much more accelerated pace. So choose wisely, you're worth it!
Your next steps:
If you have a mentor and the relationship is bringing value to your career and life, congratulations!
If you are searching for a mentor, use the questions above and do your homework:
- who have they mentored and where are they now
- find out who they are mentoring now and how it's going
- find out how many people they are mentoring - a lot does not mean they're good*!
* Just because they have a lot of people that they're mentoring, it could mean they can't give you the time and attention to enhance your career. It could also mean that it's a numbers game vs. a commitment to the relationship. Once again, do your homework.
If you're unsure how to get this information, ask their assistants/secretary, or team members - or ask them directly. Just as you would be interviewed for a new job, interview them. A mentor can have a profound effect on your career, so you want and deserve the best.
When the relationship is established, be a good protégé. Attend the meetings when scheduled, ask good questions and act on the advice and suggestions that feel authentic to you.
And finally, if it doesn't seem to be providing you with what you need or expect, talk with the mentor to reestablish the relationship and expectations. If all else fails, take responsibility for your growth and development. (Yes, that may mean...)
Chris Makell is the Career Transitions Specialist who helps career professionals create clear, crisp and achievable transition plans that get results. Her clients have increased their incomes, obtained high level and executive positions, and achieved career success with life balance. Get Chris' FREE special report, 21 "Unstoppable" Ways to Increase Your Income at => http://careerxing.com/21-unstoppable-ways-to-increase-your-income-special-report/
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/who-have-you-laid-off-1283035.htmlOrignal From: Who have YOU laid off?
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