http://www.mentors-mmha.com/articles.php
http://www.sagementors.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=29
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Open Source mentoring site
The International Mentoring Network Association believes in ‘open source’ mentoring. http://www.imno.org
Mentors Matter
Mentors are such an important part of our lives. We can learn so much from the example, experiences and advice of others. When I first started in accounting, I really resisted the profession. I thought it would be boring and that I wouldn’t be interested in my work. I was fortunate enough to work for someone who was smart, but also extraverted and social. He didn’t quite fit the mould. I learned a lot from him, not just technically, but also how to build strong client relationships and have a great attitude when you came to work.
How do you find mentors? Seek them out. Don’t wait for your boss or your workplace to organize this for you. Seek mentors from your whole network of friends, family, past and current colleagues and social circles. Mentors are of all ages and come from all walks of life, so have an open mind about who can assist you. Spend some time formulated what exactly it is that you would like a mentor to help you with. For example, are you looking for advice about changing jobs, about moving up in your organization or about acquiring a particular skill? Articulate what your objectives are in finding a mentor. This will help you to choose people who can help you meet your objectives, as well as give you a sense of how long you need to meet with the person. You may just need to meet once, for a few hours, or you may want an ongoing relationship where you meet regularly.
Once you have identified your objectives and the type of person you are looking for, start reaching out. You can approach people directly and ask if they would be willing to spend time with you and you can also ask your contacts if they know of anyone who might be a good mentor to you. The key is not to hold back, just jump in and go for it. The worst thing that can happen is the person declines because they don’t have the time. And even in this scenario, you still have made the person aware of what you need and now you have an ally who might be able to connect you someone else or help you in the future. Lastly, don’t forget to pay things forward, and be available to others when they need you as a mentor.
How do you find mentors? Seek them out. Don’t wait for your boss or your workplace to organize this for you. Seek mentors from your whole network of friends, family, past and current colleagues and social circles. Mentors are of all ages and come from all walks of life, so have an open mind about who can assist you. Spend some time formulated what exactly it is that you would like a mentor to help you with. For example, are you looking for advice about changing jobs, about moving up in your organization or about acquiring a particular skill? Articulate what your objectives are in finding a mentor. This will help you to choose people who can help you meet your objectives, as well as give you a sense of how long you need to meet with the person. You may just need to meet once, for a few hours, or you may want an ongoing relationship where you meet regularly.
Once you have identified your objectives and the type of person you are looking for, start reaching out. You can approach people directly and ask if they would be willing to spend time with you and you can also ask your contacts if they know of anyone who might be a good mentor to you. The key is not to hold back, just jump in and go for it. The worst thing that can happen is the person declines because they don’t have the time. And even in this scenario, you still have made the person aware of what you need and now you have an ally who might be able to connect you someone else or help you in the future. Lastly, don’t forget to pay things forward, and be available to others when they need you as a mentor.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
