Whether you’re new to the working world or you’re an experienced manager, everyone can benefit from having a mentor. A successful mentor has the ability to shape the life of his protégé, and the learning’s that you can gain by having one are immeasurable.
I was nineteen when I met my first mentor- David Shillingis, and I can say without a doubt that working with him and being mentored by him changed the course of my entire career.
If you want to be successful in what you do, then having a mentor will aid you a great deal. Here are five reasons why finding a mentor should be on your agenda this year:
- THEY’RE THERE TO ENCOURAGE YOU:
There will be hard and trying times during your career when you’ll want to quit or throw in the towel. But having a mentor means having someone in your corner who is routing for you and your success.
They’ll also be able to help you see where you went wrong and help you devise an action plan for the future.
- THEY’RE GREAT TEACHERS:
Finding an experienced mentor ensures that you’ll have access to someone who has been through what you’re currently going through. They’ll have plenty of advice and real-life examples that you can learn from.
- THEY’RE UNBIASED:
Having someone outside the office and outside of your private life that can counsel you and offer advice is extremely important. The great thing about mentors is that they tend to be unbiased. Your friends and family might want to share their opinions with you on what they think you should be doing, but having a mentor who has been in your shoes before and has experience in the things that you need help with will be far more beneficial.
Your mentors only agenda is to help you achieve your goals, and they’ll tell you straight if they disagree with your action plan.
- THEY HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED:
Having a person that you’re accountable to when it comes to hitting your targets and achieving your goals is vital!
Should you meet with your mentor on a weekly basis, you’ll have to ensure that you put in the necessary work and effort before that meeting to ensure that you don’t waste their (and your) time.
- THEY COULD CONNECT YOU TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE:
Since Mentors have a great deal of experience, chances are they’ll have access to an incredible network of people. Playing a dual role of teacher and connector, a mentor can potentially provide access to those within your industry that are willing to help you, invest in your business, or introduce you to other people who can help you reach your goals.
