Invest in mentors

- Research indicates people with mentors enjoy 40% higher career advancement and 33% greater self-confidence. Investing the time to properly choose and leverage the right mentors makes sense, right? So how do you do that? Well, use The Mentorship Diamond to help you shine and to be sure of four things about potential mentors that you're pursuing. Well, besides their willingness to be one, of course. Make sure they've succeeded ideally in your field. You want somebody who has been there done that and can help you be there and do that too. Make sure they embody key characteristics you want to emulate up to a point. Mentors are great role models inspiring you to replicate things you admire and aspire to. Just make sure they're not too much like you though as that can keep you from getting valuable diversity of thought. Fro example, are you extroverted? Consider a introverted mentor or vice versa. Not the best communicator? Look for a great public speaker. You get the idea. Be certain they ask more than they answer. Well, mentors certainly give valuable advice, the best ones help you discover the answers by asking good questions. Ask around if the mentor you're considering is known for asking questions verses just dictating answers. Finally, make sure they'll hold you accountable. Mentors should be accountability partners and honest with you in the spirit of wanting to help. Again, ask around if they have a reputation for this. Now, let's use The Mentorship Diamond for actually approaching a potential mentor. When you do, be prepared, but don't presume. Show up prepared with your request, but know that you might get a no. Indicate that you know you're asking for a commitment and that it's a privilege to get a yes. Articulate why you're asking them in particular. Be sincere and specific. You want them to understand that they were chosen for a reason, not randomly. Be clear on what you want. If you don't know what you want, they won't know how to help and will likely turn down your request. Share why you'd be a great mentee. As Cheryl Sandberg author of "Lean In" indicates, mentors want to know that you have potential for success. They want to know their investment in you is going to be worthwhile. So tell them why you'd be worth investing in. What you intend to do with their mentorship. Why you're a good match for them and even how you might be beneficial to them. Finally, let's use The Mentorship Diamond to get the most out of your investment with your mentors. To do so, be worth the time and energy, be committed to the relationship. The top complaint of mentors is when mentees show up half prepared or not fully committed. Set goals with your mentor and ask to be held accountable. Own the relationship. It's not your mentor's job to set the next appointment or do the little organizing things to keep the partnership going, that's on you. Act on their advice, run through doors they open. Mentors want to know they're making a difference. Show them by taking as much of their advice to heart as you can and by taking advantage of opportunities they open up for you. If you have multiple mentors, treat them like your personal board of directors, there to help keep you on track for success and happiness. Leave your ego behind. Mentors don't need your arrogance or defensiveness, be coachable and open to feedback. Show gratitude, honesty, and respect. So invest in mentors and make the most of their investment in you.