The idea of mentorship is present in every major religion. It is also a key element of recovery and rehabilitation programs. It is a part of self-help curriculum, and it is a necessary component to receiving many forms of degrees and certifications. Strong resumes include mentorship through the format of apprenticeship or internships. We value candidates who have trained under highly esteemed scholars. Mentorship is an incredibly important part of becoming the best version of yourself.
In our adolescence, there are constant opportunities to receive mentorship. This might come from a teacher, a pastor, a coach, a parent/family member, or a friend. As children, we are taught to be open to this mentorship. We do not yet have complex issues such as ego that can get in the way of our learning. I believe as children we need additional mentorship because we are still learning our place in the world. However, this does not mean that as adults we should be closed off to mentorship opportunities.
Leaders need advisors to keep them on the right track. It is so easy to get too close to certain situations and miss an obvious solution. Advisors can offer an outside perspective that you might have overlooked. It is also important for leaders to have trusted mentors to turn to when they need advice. When you are making important decisions, it never hurts to get a second opinion. You need people in your life who you respect and trust. Knowing that an advisor is credible and has your best interest in mind is vital. If you have established this faith in a mentor, you can go to them with a decision in which you are acting emotionally, and they can provide you a rational solution that you can agree with.
Leaders are the people we have chosen in society to make very important decisions. Although we believe these people to be capable, it is important that leaders have credible second opinions to support their decision making. When you are a CEO, this mentorship can come from a good board of directors. While not every board is comprised of the most credible people, good companies will work to fill their boards with competent people with industry-specific expertise. This can be a very good place for a leader to seek mentorship, as the board of directors should have a vast knowledge of the industry in which they work. Generally, these people are also older and have many years of experience. Eligibility requirements like volunteer work and charitable giving can help ensure that these people also have good intentions.
If you do not work at a company with a board of directors, it is important to seek out your own credible advisors. As a young leader, you will need these people, as they will be the ones who help advance your career and provide opportunities for you. Later in your career, these people can support your decisions and provide advice when necessary. At any age, an advisor can expand your network, as a trusted advisor will share his or her connections with you. In business, it is very important to have a large network, and an advisor who is willing to introduce you to those in his or her network is invaluable.
Do you have a trusted advisor in your life? If the answer is no, I encourage you to seek one. Beyond professional advice, a mentor can be a good sounding board for personal challenges as well. While it is not always easy to find a credible advisor, it is extremely important to have one. Do the work to find people who could mentor you. If you don’t know someone personally who fits this description, look online on platforms such as LinkedIn. If you find a knowledgeable person in your area with a job that you would like, send him a message and ask him to grab a cup of coffee with you. As long as you make it clear that you are not selling anything, many professionals are open to an informational interview. If you like the person’s attitude, schedule a second meeting. Eventually this relationship can grow into a mentorship if both parties are willing. If not, keep searching. Finding a good mentor is worth the effort.
Bria