Finding a Mentor

So, I've learned some things about finding mentors. Here are my thoughts...

1. Never ask anyone to be your mentor. When you ask someone to be your mentor, it sounds like you are asking them to create a curriculum for you. They may think they need to prepare teachings, give homework, or provide professional counseling. Most people you want to be mentored by don't have (or don't think they have) time for it. They'll end up running away.

2. Ask people that you respect why they made the decisions they did. Most of the time, you can learn the most by asking about rationale. Respectfully, of course. Just ask, "Why did you do it that way or make that decision."

3. Seek out feedback. Tell someone who you want mentorship from a decision you made and how you made it. Ask them for their opinion of your decision. Most people love sharing their "take" on a situation. Open the door for people you respect to tell you "what they would have done."

4. Mentor BACK! A good mentoring relationship should never be one sided. I read this in a book "True North." The one surefire way to obtain and retain mentors is to add value to your mentors life. Ask them questions, encourage them, give them feedback on things when they ask for it. If it's all about you all the time, it will wear them out.

5. Always error on the side of less time. If your interactions are productive and breif, they are more likely to welcome interruptions.

6.Tell your mentor how you are applying their advice. The most frustrating experience for someone who is investing time and emotional energy with you would be for you to "soak in" all that they are telling you and not apply it. Give direct examples of how you are applying their insight.

Maybe more to come...