I am sure all of us see successful people around us. Have you
ever stopped by to ask them how they got to where they are? The chances that
they will mention about a mentor helping them are very high. What makes
mentoring so important? Receiving that investment of time, energy and advice
makes mentoring almost priceless. This also means that one should be very
careful in choosing a mentor. So, are there any attributes that one should look
for in a mentoring program? Here are my thoughts. Do you agree?
Looking for praise alone
won’t suffice.
A
lot of people are looking for some attention and appreciation when they claim
that they want a mentor. They aren’t really looking for constructive feedback which
is what would help them work towards growth both personally as well as
professionally. To make the most of a mentor, people should look for things
that would help build their curiosity and self awareness. This would definitely
drive them to perform better.
The more silent,
bigger the failure.
If people are to grow, their mentors should be ready to have
frank conversations with them. Conversations that are difficult to have and
most people would avoid having. A manager can be a mentor too by providing constructive
feedback at all times, this would also ensure there are no surprises for the
employee during appraisal.
Readiness to accept
candid feedback.
A
lot of times people don’t like to hear bad things and would love to hear only
good things about themselves. But if one wants to make the most of a mentoring
relationship, they should be ready to accept candid feedback and understand
that it is in their best interests and
therefore be ready to take/accept it.
Building Relationship.
Unless
the mentor-mentee build their relationship over a period of time, this wouldn’t
work. It can easily get either of them to be disinterested sooner and the
meetings would become obligatory. And once it does, there are no benefits to
derive for either party. Hence, active listening and empathizing becomes
extremely important for the relationship to succeed.
Admiration and
Emulation.
While one chooses a mentor,
they should never try to align one’s self with someone because of their title.
That would be the worst thing to do. Rather, they should look out for someone
whom they look up to. That would help them stay focused and make the most of
the relationship.
