It’s mid-way through National Mentoring Month and, by now, you are surely convinced that finding a mentor will help you become a better person and a more successful student or professional. So how do you find that special person to mentor you?
Kars4Kids has saved you a lot of time by putting together a list of do’s and don’t’s that can help you find a compatible mentor and build a productive relationship.
Do:
- Be proactive. The most successful mentoring partnerships are those in which the mentee takes the initiative.
- Look for a mentor who lives close to you. Personal connection is important and someone far away — even if they are experts in a field that interests you — will not be able to give you the same amount of time and attention.
- Go in person to request that this person become your mentor. Explain why you want her to be your mentor and tell her what you expect from her.
- Take your mentor’s advice. You selected him because of his knowledge and expertise. Learn from his leadership skills and implement the advice he gives you.
- Pay it forward – use your experience as a mentee to mentor someone else.
- Express your gratitude. Send your mentor a thank you note and let him or her know how meaningful their mentorship has been.
Don’t:
- Ask someone you’ve never spoken to or a person that shares no mutual connections to be your mentor.
- Be unprepared when you meet. Although you want a conversation, have questions ready so you will get the most out of your meeting.
- Expect your mentor to solve all your problems for you. Do the work!
- Stay in your comfort zone: do not shy away from new learning experiences.
- Avoid talking about problems, anxieties, or grief because it makes you seem less than perfect.
- Stay in a mentoring relationship when it is no longer helpful.
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