5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Mentoring

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Mentoring is a great resource for professional and personal development. A mentor is usually someone who has been in the business for quite some time and can teach others from his or her accomplishments and mistakes. However, just simply asking someone to mentor you and chatting with them once per month isn’t enough. Here are a few tips to get the most out of a mentoring experience:

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Pick the Right Mentor

This is the most important step. What is the point of having a mentor if they can’t offer what you personally need? Find someone who is excited to teach, is great at what they do, and most importantly, is someone that you trust. In order for this process to work, choose a mentor who will take an active interest in your career and personal development.

Be Clear on Expectations

Make sure the mentor knows right off the bat what the expectations are from this relationship. Make sure both people clearly know what improvements are looking to be made, and what both parties would like to gain from this experience. This will help determine if this particular mentor is a good fit or not.

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Don’t Limit Yourself to Just One Mentor

There is no rule that says mentees can have only one mentor. One person may help improve your leadership skills, while the other focuses on communication skills. Don’t limit yourself if you have multiple possible mentors that can help you grow in different ways.

Show Thanks

Always express your gratitude. Saying thanks regularly will show your mentor that you are serious about this process and also value their time.

Don’t Take Everything They Say as Truth

Just because someone has 15 years of experience in an industry, that doesn’t mean they know everything. Take their advice as just that—advice. Let it help you make decisions and grow, but don’t let it completely dictate your path.