Mentors Are Important, So Why Don’t We Have Them?

By: Mary P Wells

Mentorship is valuable and critical no matter what your career is, even during the developmental phases. I recall vividly, during my collegiate years, leaders who voluntarily took me under their wing while undergoing work-study programs and internships.

My mentors stand out with a confident drive leaving eight impactful words that still resonate with me today: study beyond requirements, continue learning, and give cheerfully. They are willing to listen, provide constructive feedback, and hold me accountable for reaching my goals. Over time, I have developed a flourishing relationship with each mentor whose specific expertise and talent align with my purpose to help people have better lives.

So, the question is, why don’t we all have mentors? It is about the time it takes to develop mentorship that becomes a fruitful relationship. The starting point is to realize you need help and consistently have scheduled time to start creating the planning, including education, volunteerism, interests, goals, skills, improvements, schedules, and mentor profiles. Then research mentor candidates. Compare the findings to your mentor profiles to make introductions. I had the amazing opportunity to interview Dr. Geneva Williams, Vibrant Life Coach, Impact Leadership Expert, Ignite 2 Impact Podcaster, and NAWBO Top Businesswoman regarding her insight and perspective on mentorship. Be sure to catch the effectual gem she leaves for readers!

Why is mentorship important? Every great leader at one point has someone they can trust, talk to, has “lived it,” and can provide guidance.

Mentoring can challenge your self-limiting beliefs by introducing you to new ways of thinking. What are five tips for those considering mentorship?

1 You must start by assuming that your mentor is good. There is plenty of great information available on how to find good mentors. Once the research is complete, your mentor will know your field exceptionally well. They will become someone who gets things done.

2 Your mentor has already made mistakes in their career. They can help you avoid many of those mistakes. Their experience means you won’t have to go through the same pain they experienced emotionally and monetarily.

3 Your mentor finds out the information you need to succeed. If they do not have first-hand knowledge, they know where to look for it. They have access to databases or associations that benefit you. They may show you the proper way to search for the information to find it faster.

4 Your mentor will have mentored others to succeed. Find someone whose experience shows successfully mentoring others.

5 Your mentor has an active and extensive network of contacts. From this network, your mentor builds relationships knowing the effectiveness. You want to be a part of this network, and there is no better way to get on it than by having this person be your mentor. If this is the only attribute the mentor is good for, this can be enough for you to work with them. Networking is going to be the greatest tool in your career.

What are three critical takeaways that mentees should receive from mentors?

1 Most mentors offer encouragement to people they mentor. You will need this throughout your career. It is easy to get discouraged and caught up in the negativity of office politics, etc. Your mentor or mentors can help you talk it through and offer suggestions for handling those situations. Be careful not to let them fight your battles, however. That will never make you look good and can burn you when your mentor is no longer with the organization.

2 Mentoring can leave you with footprints for success. They have gone through selfdiscovery and self-awareness and can help you become who you are.

3 Your mentor should be a role model so that you can grab the baton and continue the race.

 “Mentors are role models, and we have a responsibility to help young people. We can help young people grow up so that they don’t have hate, anger, and fear of others but so that they know and respect and can learn from different people and different cultures.” ~ Dr. Geneva Williams

Standing on the shoulders of mentors will help you see farther. That heightened visibility across the career landscape will help equip and prepare you for the road ahead. x

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