How to Choose a Mentor and Accelerate Your Career

Having a mentor can help you accelerate your career success. Knowing how to choose the right mentor can help you make the most of that valuable relationship. I have put together some essential qualities to look for in a mentor and a step-by-step guide to finding the right one.

 One of my mentors John C. Maxwell, says, "whom you learn from matters". Choose them wisely.

The qualities you want to look for in a Mentor are:

1.     Integrity.

Look for someone you consider a good role model in the workplace. If they work elsewhere, find out what they are like to work with or work for from people in that organisation. You want a mentor who shares your core values. Anyone you respect and admire professionally may be a good mentor for you.

 2.     Relevant experience.

Your career growth may be the first thing that comes to mind, but mentors can help in other areas that support your career growth, including managing work-life balance. It is essential to look for someone with the appropriate background, expertise, and contacts for where you want to go and the areas you want to grow.

 3.     Complementary strengths.

Look for a mentor who can assist you in areas where you feel that you need further development. For example, suppose you are concerned about your presentation skills. In that case, you may want to reach out to people you admire who regularly present meticulously at meetings or health and social care conferences.

 4.     Coaching skills.

A mentor acts as a facilitator and is a sounding board. However, they can also be a great coach. Ideally, they will help you develop your insight and support you to create your own solutions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding The Right Mentor For You:

1.     Start with people you know.

The right mentor could be right under your nose. If there are colleagues and acquaintances you admire and want to emulate, they may be ideal candidates for your mentorship.

 2.     Research additional prospects.

Find someone with the right experience and skills. It may mean you may need to go beyond your current network. Tools such as LinkedIn or professional groups and associations can be great resources for finding accomplished individuals in the healthcare industry.

   3.     Ask for help. If you feel shy about asking someone to mentor you, remember that your prospective mentor may feel flattered that you appreciate their insight and skills. If you are approaching a mentor you do not already know personally, you can send a letter of introduction summarising your request and asking for a brief meeting to talk it over.

 Do your research.

4.     If you decide to work with a paid mentor, do your research to evaluate their services. Ask their other clients if they are satisfied with the return on their investment and make an informed decision to engage them.

 5.     Discuss your objectives.

Start by talking about your goals with your mentor. If you decide to work together, ensure you develop measurable objectives, including an evaluation plan and timetable, so that you can track your progress. Having an initial conversation with your prospective mentor can clarify if they are in a position to provide the kind of support you need.

 6.     Communicate regularly.

Ensure you and your mentor understand your mutual expectations about the amount of time you plan to invest in this relationship. If it matters to you, specify your need for in-person meetings in addition to any online interactions.

 7.     Thank your mentor.

Even if your mentor works with you on a paid basis, remember to express your gratitude for their support. Thank everyone who helps you in your search for a mentor. This may be a process you will repeat throughout your professional life.

Working with a mentor allows you to learn from their experience and expertise. Choose your mentors wisely, and you will be one step closer to getting everything you want in your career and life. Remember, you can also have as many mentors as you want for the different areas of growth you require.

Beaulah Chizimba is a registered nurse, senior nurse leader, leadership and career development coach speaker and trainer. She writes about how health and care professionals can raise self-awareness, grow leadership skills, thrive and excel at work.