06/30/2020

Daily Buzz: Finding the Right Mentor

Be straightforward and direct when seeking guidance

A good mentor has the ability to advance your career, provide encouragement and advocate for you. But how do you get the right person to fill that position? If you already have a candidate in mind, the first step is straightforward.

“Schedule a conversation by sending an email asking the person if he or she can meet with you in person or via Zoom,” said Heather Nolan on Association Success. “Once your potential mentor agrees to a meeting, be prepared to clearly describe what you want to get out of the relationship.”

For example, let potential mentors know if you’re trying to move up at your company or if you’re applying to a new position. This approach does two things: It lets potential members know exactly what you’re looking for, and it respects their time by keeping the meeting short.

If you don’t have a specific candidate in mind, the first place to look is within an organization you’re a part of. If you’re in an association, even better.

“Associations can help younger people in the workforce identify potential mentors by encouraging them to attend peer review groups, or by facilitating volunteer opportunities that match them with more experienced members of the workforce,” Nolan said.

However, it’s okay to look beyond your organization for a mentor, Nolan said. You could find an ideal candidate in a different company, state or even a completely different field.

Please select this link to read the original article from Associations Now.