The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
In my last 40 years of existence, I have come to understand this fairly well. There are many means and method to shorten the learning curve or acquisition of knowledge and wisdom. One of this method is about having a Mentor. Before all of that, we need to be grateful for the freewill and intellect that was given to us. All of these are the gifts from our Creator and we are considered as stewards of them. Need to ensure we make best of use of them as in the Parable of the Talents and improving on them for the glory of God. Enjoy!
The
Best Teacher?
We’ve
all heard, “Experience is the best teacher,” but it’s simply not true.
Experience is not the best teacher; it never has been and never will be.
Maturity doesn’t always come with time; sometimes age brings nothing more than
wrinkles and gray hair.
Experience
is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher.
Reflective thinking is needed to turn experience into insight. We draw lessons
from the past only when we study it. I have a habit of spending time each
evening in reflective thinking. When I get ready for bed, I take ten minutes to
look back on my day—conversations I’ve had, people I’ve met, things I’ve done,
statements I’ve said—and I make note of significant lessons.
Now,
the younger you are, the less experience you have to evaluate. Since you have
limited firsthand experience yourself, look to borrow it from a mentor. Listen,
learn, and ask questions from somebody successful who has gone before you. A
wise leader never stops seeking to glean from the experiences of others.
Take
Action: Looking for a Mentor
There’s
no specific formula when it comes to finding a mentor, but these steps can aid
your search.
1.
Conduct an Honest Self-Assessment
Write
down responses to the following questions: Where am I in my career? Where do I
hope to be in the future? What are my strengths and weaknesses? What obstacles
are keeping me from growing to my potential?
2.
Clarify Your Purpose
Go into
a mentoring relationship with a goal. Ask yourself: What do I hope to gain from
the relationship? You may be interested in learning a specific skill, obtaining
advice on an important decision, or gaining insight into a problem. Whatever
the case, spend time on the front end to get clear about your purpose for
pursuing the mentoring relationship. Put your purpose on paper. It will help
narrow your search for the right mentor as well as keeping you focused on your
main goals.
3.
Consider Possible Mentors
After
assessing where you are professionally and clarifying why you want to be
mentored, the next step is to identify prospective mentors. Obviously, you want
to find someone with experience and expertise in the areas where you hope to
grow. Additionally, the more they share your values, the better.
You
probably already have someone in your network with the combination of skills
and experience that you’re looking for in a mentor. If not, ask for referrals
from trusted coworkers and friends. Don’t feel like you have to find a mentor
who can help you in every facet of life; just make sure they have something to
offer in at least one area in which you hope to grow.
Make a
list of everyone who comes to mind as a possible mentor, and then rank your top
two choices. Research their interests, background, and involvements, looking
for points of connection.
4. Come
up with a Game Plan
Before
approaching a prospective mentor, come up with a tentative framework for your
mentoring relationship. How often would you meet? How would meetings be
structured? What would be the duration of the mentoring relationship?
Certainly, you’ll want to be accommodating of your mentor’s preferences, but
having a plan in place will facilitate discussion about the nature of the
relationship. Also, having a game plan in hand demonstrates to your mentor the
forethought you’ve put in to the relationship.
5. Make
the Connection
The
last step is asking to be mentored. When approaching potential mentors, express
what you respect about them and share why you are attracted by the idea of
having them as a mentor. Then, concisely share your goal for the mentoring
relationship. Articulate your expectations and be attentive to their goals and
expectations as well.
Be
mindful that you’re asking for a big favor. If they agree to mentor you, make
the logistics (schedule, location, etc.) as easy as possible for them. Finally,
both upfront and throughout the relationship, show appreciation for your
mentor’s willingness to invest in you.
