Meaning of Mentorship
A mentor is a person who can advise, guide, and support you. Whether it relates to studies or a career, this mentor will help you improve.
Mentors are usually invaluable people to have when you are starting out in your professional career. Or maybe when you need some extra guidance in life. Mentors can impart so much knowledge and insight in areas that you typically would not have had otherwise.
It might seem overwhelming when you decide to take on the task of finding a mentor. What should you look for in this person?
Here we will take the time to go over five ways to help you choose a good mentor that fits your specific needs.
1. Values
First, you want to ensure that the mentor you choose has similar values. This does not mean you need someone who will agree with you in every aspect of life.
What you should do, though, is write down a list of your top and most important values in life. Look for a mentor that aligns with those values. This could include areas such as religion, hobbies, and work ethic.
You also want to feel like your mentor values you and values helping you navigate this time in your life. Having a mentor who does not feel like they value the task they have undertaken is not a mentor you need in your life. You also could probably ask them the meaning of mentorship from their perspective and how they can guide you.
You want to make sure you choose a mentor who does not feel you must sacrifice important things. This goes for most relationships in life, too.
2. Trust
One highly important aspect you should have in your relationship with your mentor is a high level of trust. Your mentor will be the person you have to be open with and have a lot of trust in guiding you down the path you want to head.
Trust is one of the most crucial components of any relationship. Indeed, a mentor will help you navigate new areas you are entering. And this cannot be accomplished without trust.
How are you supposed to receive beneficial guidance from someone without trust? Of course, trust does not just automatically come with every person you meet, which is why you will need to get to know and feel your relationship with your potential mentor.
The big question is, are you open to being judged? If yes, then that is a great sign. That’s just another meaning of mentorship, anyway.
3. Communication
Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter
The next thing that you should, without a doubt, look for in your future mentor is excellent communication skills. This goes hand-in-hand with trusting them, as well.
Mentorship requires good communication, and you might need to open up a bit. Possibly you’re going to have uncomfortable conversations. Nonetheless, these conversations are supposed to make the best out of you. And also, allow your mentor to accomplish their duty in guiding you in your life and career.
Of course, you want to ensure the mentor you are considering has beneficial communication skills and does not constantly confuse or actively ignore you. You can also see someone’s communication skills by watching how they interact and talk with others.
If they have positive interactions and show the level of respect you desire, this is an excellent sign.
4. Contrast
An aspect your future mentor should probably have is a certain level of contrast to you. Your outlook should be balanced, as that is where progress is often made.
Ideally, you should choose a mentor who helps you take steps outside your comfort zone. One of the best ways to open our eyes is to gain perspective from someone that sees the world in a different light than we do.
As mentioned above, you do not want someone who agrees with everything you do or say. A mentor who can constructively tell it like it is and always have your greatest good at the front of their mind is a mentor you should consider.
“Opposites attract” is commonly said for a reason. But too much contrast can be harmful. Nevertheless, it is about finding the perfect balance between a person and a relationship.
5. Expertise
Lastly, you will want a mentor with expertise in their field. This is the field you are trying to break your way into. This is the primary purpose of having a mentor.
Your mentor will ideally have many years of experience under their belt and the abundance of knowledge needed to guide the person they are mentoring in the right direction.
An excellent mentor does not have to know everything about the area they are mentoring you in. Conversely, they should be confident in their advice and leadership. Plus, your mentor does not even have to be in your exact field.
If they are good at what they do, they can guide you on your journey positively. Additionally, a good mentor should also be open-minded about learning a thing or two from the person they are mentoring. It is important to remember that everyone is a teacher in this life.
Let’s Review
This has been a guide on five things to look for in a great mentor. It would be best if you had shared values, a high level of trust, outstanding communication, some contrast, and they should have great expertise.
Above all else, you should feel like you naturally click with the person you eventually choose to be your mentor. Creating a new relationship with a mentor is an exciting time in life bound to bring new mind-opening experiences to you.
Finding a mentor that fits your needs might seem like an intimidating task to take on. But if you stay true to yourself and know what you need from your future mentor, everything will fall right into place.
