"How do I get a mentor"?
Whenever I speak about mentorship, it's the first question. No one questions the value of a mentor. Not many ask about how to find a mentor. Everyone focuses on how to get a mentor.
Sound familiar?
Most people are stopped by a fear of rejection. Some get tongue tied and aren't sure what to ask. Others never even approach a prospective mentor, assuming he or she is too busy.
When it comes to getting a mentor, it seems as though everyone's an introvert.
Early in my career I was very fortunate to have people volunteer to be my mentor. Then the first time I asked someone to be mentor, I was flatly rejected.
Ouch.
But I knew the value of great mentors, so I found new ways to get one.
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Leverage existing relationships.
Ask your boss, current mentor, or a trusted colleague for advice and an introduction. It's just like having someone make a networking introduction on your behalf. Your supporters should know what skills and interests you have and will likely have a good suggestion.
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Ask for advice from someone you admire.
Start with a request for advice and see if a coaching relationship develops. Most people don't mind giving advice even if they are very busy. Some leaders are reluctant to invest in a mentoring relationship with people they don't know well, but are willing to be a sounding board for a topic or two.
Here's one way: If you hear someone speak, ask them if they would mind if you sent a few follow up questions. One of my most productive mentoring relationships started out as a few questions on organizational development and led to a role that set up my next promotion.
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Be investment grade.
Mentorship is an investment, so demonstrate you're investment grade. Add value to your relationships and people will start to see you as someone they want to invest in.
3 easy things you can do immediately (1) Follow someone's suggestions and tell them how it worked. (2) Ask great questions that enhance topics being discussed. (3) Build a reputation as a thought leader by recommending insightful articles or making out-of-the-box suggestions based on emerging trends.
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Ask someone directly.
Yes this may turn into an outright rejection, but as Wayne Gretzky says, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
"Mark, your name has come up several times as a great coach for strategy. I want to develop in this area, would you have the time to mentor me?"
Rejection happens. Be gracious. Not everyone has the time, interest or skills to be a mentor and they're doing you a favor by being up front. If your request is declined, simply say, "Thanks for time and consideration. If you have a suggestion for another mentor, please let me know. I'd appreciate your recommendation."
Ready to get a great mentor? There's nothing stopping you now.
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