How to Make the Most Out of a Mentoring Relationship

Tweet 51 in my career advice book Success Tweets says, “Find a mentor.  Mentors are positive people who will help you find the lessons in your experiences and use them to move forward.”

I am a big believer in the power of mentoring.  I believe in mentoring so much, I call myself a career mentor, not a career coach.  I’ve had several mentors in my life — all of whom helped me get to where I am today.  I have mentored quite a few people.  It’s my way of giving back and thanking those folks who took the time to mentor me.

Here’s what I think makes for a good mentor.  It’s someone who…

• Is a good role Model, who will Motivate you to accomplish more than you think you can.
• Engages and Energizes and Expects the best of you.
• Nurtures you and Never gives up on you – or lets you give up on yourself.
• Teaches you important success skills and Tells you the Truth – even when it hurts.
• Observes you as you go about creating your success and who Occasionally kicks your butt to keep you on the right path.
• Really cares about you, who Reinforces what you do well and Redirects you when you get off of the correct path.

This article comes at mentoring from a slightly different perspective but makes similar points.

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-mentor-and-get-ahead-in-your-1646087771?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Sunday%20-%20Best%20of%20The%20Web&utm_campaign=%2A%20Best%20of%20the%20Web%20-%2010%2F25%2F14

The common sense point here is simple.  You need to find and work with a mentor as you move forward in your career. You also need to give back by mentoring others.  Remember the old saying, “A mentor’s hindsight can be your foresight.”

Your career mentor,

Bud

PS: You can download a free copy of my bestselling career advice book, Straight Talk for Success at www.budbilanich.com/straight-talk/  When you do, I’ll begin sending you daily motivational quotes and give you a free membership in my career mentoring site.