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How to – Acquire a Mentor
Posted February 3, 2012
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By Joni Daniels
The mentor-protégé relationship can make a big difference in your career development, but not every organization has a formal mentoring program. And not every mentor can adequately support your professional development. If you are hoping to find someone (or a few someone's) who will help you deal with the complex issues your work demands and will offer to be a colleague and role model, you are looking for a rare treasure. You should be open to ideas that are different from your own, receiving caring and candid feedback and holding straightforward conversations,
Some Tips:
• Mentors , Not Mentor - One person may not be able to provide all the support you need. Not only is the Mentor-Protégé relationship time consuming, you may want to be developed in areas where your mentor falls short. Some professionals prefer to talk about home-work conflicts with people who do not work within their firms due to concerns about internal politics or confidentiality.
• If You Wait It's Too Late - Mentors are often the role model that you would like to emulate. Take advantage of your time with those people and initiate the conversation that will lead to a possible mentoring relationship. Ask them about their experiences, how they got to where they are today, and the challenges they faced getting there.
• Look Up - Peer-to-Peer networking is a good way to share concerns and learn about others. But Networking ‘up' and connecting to people who are at a more senior level than you can plug you into important lines of communication and visibility, While it can be intimidating, look for ways to establish rapport. Discovering an interest you have in common, and attend the same events so that you are more visible.
• Stay Upbeat - Mentors look for people they can trust who demonstrate energy, leadership, and dependability. Avoid office gossip, denigrating others, and condescension. Think about what they would find attractive and work to attract them.
• Eager to Learn - Show your willingness to learn and try behaviors outside of your comfort zone. Potential mentors are looking for people who ar interested in maturing as a professional and are listening to what they have to say. It's what you do what will indicate how valuable their input is for your career.
You may find that you have a few mentors over the life of your career. That's a good indication that you are continuing your own professional development. Don't forget to return he favor and when it's time - mentor someone who is now is your old shoes.
Nationally recognized management development consultant, trainer, author and professional speaker Joni Daniels has helped thousands of people and teams become empowered about accomplishing their professional and personal goals. She is a sought after resource for Fortune 500 clients, professional organizations, higher education, and media outlets and business publications. Sign up for her free quarterly newsletter at www.jonidaniels.com/newsletter.html.
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