A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who helps with personal or professional development. They can be found in various social or professional settings, but are commonly found in the workplace. Finding a mentor involves identifying someone you admire and want to be like, and communicating your goals and expectations clearly. It may require being assertive and asking for help. Programs like Big Brother and Big Sister can also provide mentorship opportunities for children.
A mentor is someone that another person can look up to and is usually seen as a trusted advisor or guide. It is usually an older and more experienced person who helps someone else with their personal or professional development. While these individuals may be sought after in a variety of social or professional capacities, they are perhaps most commonly found in a work environment. Often, finding a good mentor is a matter of thinking carefully about the people in your life that you admire and want to be like, and then talking to one of those people about ways to make the relationship a little more formal.
Some people begin to develop relationships with a mentor early in life, for example through the Big Brother and Big Sister programmes. In these cases, the children are followed up in social and academic contexts; usually these programs are for “at risk” children, but any child can benefit from this experience.
Finding a good mentor can be as easy as looking for a boss or a trusted colleague at work or church. Sometimes, one can be found through a professional or business organization, although it’s often easier to develop a relationship with someone you already know, because you’ve likely seen that person in action. Think about the people you know and work with, and what kinds of skills or insights might help you learn. Perhaps you are looking for a counselor with experience in your area of work or an older parent to guide you as you raise your children. This person may be more of a listener as you bounce ideas about life, work, and personal goals around them.
When looking for a mentor, first consider what exactly you want from a mentoring relationship. Think about your own personality style and the type of person who will best complement and benefit you. Consider talking to friends and colleagues about their mentors, or ask if they know anyone who might be a good fit for you. Remember that, at times, this person could be someone you see and work with every day; keep an open mind and consider every possibility.
Next, think about people you’ve admired in the past, perhaps a teacher or supervisor who has been especially helpful to you. Learn to identify the type of person that works best with your goals and needs. Have a clear picture of what you want from the mentoring relationship and communicate this clearly to the prospective mentor. This will avoid any future confusion about the purpose and expectations of the relationship.
You may also need to be assertive. Sometimes, a relationship happens naturally, but usually people have to take a deliberate course of action to find a mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask.
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