Mentoring is a very popular modality for development. It no longer is considered a one-way conversation with the senior person sharing all the knowledge. In fact, “reverse mentoring” has really taken root, with the more senior person often benefiting as much from the conversation as the more junior person.
In today’s post I wanted to share several questions to consider if you are seeking out a mentor yourself. These can help to gain clarity in terms of what you are looking for, and help you focus the conversations you are going to have.
Mentors serve a variety of roles in today’s workplace, including being able to share insights about the practicalities of business/industry based on their experience. They may also be able to shed light on “how things are really done”, giving you insights you might not normally hear about through other channels.
Just like any other business relationship, supervision or coaching, the mentoring partnership is dependent on a good match and fit. Take some time as you go to seek out a mentor to make sure they are going to be your best fit.
Questions to consider when seeking out a mentor
As you look to your responses to these questions, what do you notice?
Enjoy the conversations,
Jennifer
In today’s post I wanted to share several questions to consider if you are seeking out a mentor yourself. These can help to gain clarity in terms of what you are looking for, and help you focus the conversations you are going to have.
Mentors serve a variety of roles in today’s workplace, including being able to share insights about the practicalities of business/industry based on their experience. They may also be able to shed light on “how things are really done”, giving you insights you might not normally hear about through other channels.
Just like any other business relationship, supervision or coaching, the mentoring partnership is dependent on a good match and fit. Take some time as you go to seek out a mentor to make sure they are going to be your best fit.
Questions to consider when seeking out a mentor
- What is important for me to learn?
- Where do I want to grow?
- What am I looking for in a mentor?
- What are the skills and experiences I hope the mentor will bring?
- What can I bring to the mentoring relationship?
- What time am I earmarking for this?
- What are my goals?
- What topics do I want to explore?
- When/if things get tough, I will…
As you look to your responses to these questions, what do you notice?
Enjoy the conversations,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton – Potentials Realized
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), PlanDoTrack (2019) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where you can explore virtual and team issues, coaching, productivity and business development.
Pick up a copy of Volume 1 of the Weekly Journaling Prompts in a digital format. Print it out and take it with you for some inspiration and writing on the go! Available at the Potentials Realized Store.
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), PlanDoTrack (2019) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where you can explore virtual and team issues, coaching, productivity and business development.
Pick up a copy of Volume 1 of the Weekly Journaling Prompts in a digital format. Print it out and take it with you for some inspiration and writing on the go! Available at the Potentials Realized Store.
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