Professional Development

Six things to bring to your mentor

(Check out my article The Big Deal About Mentors on OfficeArrow. This article explores the different kinds of mentors and which types may be best for you.)

Mentors can be a huge asset to your career. I know they have been to mine. Right now, I have four mentors. Yes, four – each with different experiences, in different careers, and with different advice to offer. When find a mentor and meet with her, here is what you should bring with you:

1.  An open mind

Your mentor has a lifetime of different experiences and these experiences may not always mesh with yours. You may think she has no idea what she’s talking about or wonder if the two of you have anything in common in at all. My advice? Give her a shot. Have an open mind. Not all advice is good advice, but if your mentor is worth anything, she’ll work hard to steer you in the right direction.

2.  Questions

Never leave a meeting with your mentor without asking her a question. Even if it’s just “What do you think about that?” You can ask for her opinion on everything from what suit you should wear to your next job interview to advice for advancing in your industry to how to deal with your bad boss. (Warning: If your mentor is within your organization, you may want to avoid that last one. Be smart. Make sure your conversations are confidential.)

Don’t forget to ask her about her. Everybody likes to talk about themselves. She, no doubt, has a wealth of stories and advice she can offer you – just ask. And, if your mentor is over 50, you’ll get a whole new take on what the office used to be like!

3.  Goals

Your mentor is going to want to know your ultimate goals. Bring these with you. If you’re not sure, that’s okay. But, don’t go in with a complete blank slate on your career path. You need some idea of what you hope to accomplish. She can help you shape your goals and even guide you on the right path, but you to bring the general direction to the table.

4.  Issues

Got career problems? Your mentor can help. I’ve gone to my mentors with a variety of career issues - big and small, and have always found that even if I don’t end up taking their advice, I at least have a better understanding of the problem and one way to solve it. Talk it out with your mentor. My guess is she would love nothing more than to help you!

5.  Ideas

Mentors are always saying, “I think I get more out of the relationship than my mentee.” Part of this is because of the ideas, passion, and excitement that younger people bring to the mentor relationship. Even if your mentor is just a few years older than (like one of mine), you actually have a lot to offer. Bring your ideas to the table.

6.  Your listening ears

I know it sounds like first grade, but your listening ears are important when meeting with your mentor. Too often we don’t really listen to what other people are saying. We’re too busy trying to think of what we’re going to say next (or what we’re going to have for lunch). But, your mentor is taking out time out of her busy schedule to meet with you. Take the time to really listen to what she has to say.