You need a mentor.?

The title deliberately has a period and a question mark since the title is both an answer and a question.

This article is relevant to you if answer to any of these questions is yes.

If you prefer watching a video instead of reading, then this video is meant just for you.

The answer is yes. (period). Let me explain why. Many times in your careers or job or any thing that you do, you will end up in situations where you will need guidance. It could be dealing with a problem that you don’t understand well, a situation that you never faced before, or a career that you aspire to achieve. A mentor is one, who may have been there ..done that …. and would be able to share perspectives to see the picture from his or her perspective.

Have you heard of being in the dance and being in the balcony? Simply said, more often when we are in the dance, we dont know how we are performing. We need to be in the balcony to see how great or bad our dance moves are. Mentor is that balcony. In other words, a mentor is one who can help you to reflect.

Someone whom you look up to and has walked the path that you want to walk. Someone who is atleast 10x of what you have achieved. If you want to make a million dollar product then look for someone who has a ten million dollar product. If you want a career progression, then look for someone who is atleast 2 levels above your position. If you want to change in your career, then look for someone in the position you desire to achieve.

Tap into your own network of people. Nothing better than someone whom you already know; otherwise linkedin is a great platform to find mentors. If you don’t know anyone then just ask folks around you. Try this simple rule of 5 to find a great mentor. Reach out to as many people as you can and ask this simple question.

Fill the space with your aspiration. E.g. Who do they really look upto inside or ouside the organization regarding artificial intelligence.

You stop asking this question until you hear the same name 5 times.

Just ask. Don’t second guess whether the mentor would accept or not. Be prepared for no as an answer though.

Now! Maybe you can wait until you completely read this blog.

Mentoring is a relationship. It is not a transaction. You need to bond well as people to make the best out of the relationship. The mentor should feel invested in your needs. While as a mentee you need to show that committment to the relationship. It is not a once a quarter meeting over drinks. As a mentor and a mentee, effort needs to be put into this relationship.

Just block calendars it is simple!! Or maybe a little preparation may help.

Respect the time: Ask whether your mentor will have the time to be your mentor. It shows an appreciation of the other person’s time. Remember, the mentor may say no therefore respect that honesty. If you feel that the mentor is too precious to lose, then ask for another time when the mentor may have time and schedule the second meeting to check on the availability.

Clarity: Clearly state your objective of being mentored. Clearly state the expectations of the relationship as well. E.g.

Experiment: Always start small. You need to give time for this relationship to develop. Initially, just ask for 2 meetings to get the ball rolling. Set a milestone at the end of 4–5 meetings to see whether the relationship is working well for both of you.

Empathy: Empathize with your mentor. Remember as a mentor someone is investing time to help you grow. The best way to empathize is to show your commitment towards the relationship. State that you are committed to this relationship and then walk the talk. At the same time, empathize with yourself as well. You have a full time job or tasks to take care therefore in the fervor of impressing a mentor, do not overcommit as well.

I have said enough that this is a relationship and not a transaction however the success of this relationship is by being honest about our transactions. Be professional, be honest, and be prepared for a mentor to assign tasks to you to learn. Commit to those tasks. Share what you have done or share as your progress. Showing lack of committment is one of main reasons why mentoring relations fall apart.

The mentor is invested in this relationship to see you succeed. Your success is the best appreciation that you can give back to your mentor.

Both the mentor and mentee should look forward to every meeting. If you feel as a mentor or a mentee that ongoing meetings are not helping us reach our objectives then it is the time to terminate this relationship respectfully.

This is the moment when I ask you to stop reading and get into action.

If you have any other questions that you would like me to answer then please leave a comment below.

If any insight or information was handy then leave a clap so that I know whether I was able to add value.

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