Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Finding a mentor

I find it amazing when folks tell me how awkward or strange it feels to ask someone to mentor them.

We seek mentoring constantly in every other area of lives – parenting tips; home improvement know-how; negotiating a loan; relationship advice; sporting expertise – everyone gets a support at some point along the way.

It’s only in the business context that it seems to become all twisted up with formality and repercussions.

You can follow the same guidelines you use in other areas of life:
• Figure out if you actually want to change something or add to it
• Find someone whose ideas and opinions you respect
• Ask them nicely to talk it through with you

Depending on the topic, it may be one session or many months.

If you’re working your way through a career plan, you might even want to approach several folks who hold different perspectives on your strengths and habits.

If you aren’t sure who to ask, then start with your inner circle. Your communities combined will lead you to your first/next mentor in a just a few coffees.

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