Maybe you’ve heard this Quaker proverb: “You lift me, and I’ll lift thee; thus, we both ascend together.” It perfectly summarizes why mentors are so beneficial to businesspeople—we all rely on each other to succeed. A good mentor can be the perfect driving force to help you achieve your best self.
People who participate in mentoring relationships report a substantially higher commitment level on average and are often more satisfied than those who do not have a mentor. With the right mentoring, protégées can achieve higher goals than without a mentor.
The first step to finding a mentor is to think about some crucial factors.
Your mentor must be someone who:
… Has your best interest at heart.
… Values your success as much as you do.
… Is truly sincere in helping you become the best version of yourself.
Below are some ways that good mentors have been shown to positively impact the lives of those they teach.
1. They engage and challenge you.
The best kind of mentor pushes you to go the extra mile and see the greener grass. They help you when you stumble, challenge you to accomplish what you set out to do, and commend you for your success. This kind of guidance from a trusted, seasoned individual is invaluable. If you are very careful in your selection, your mentor will be someone who has experienced many of the same tribulations as you, shares your same passions, and gives you that extra push when you most need it.
2. They boost your self-confidence.
A mentor is a person of authority because they have typically “been there and done that.” They can provide you with insights, thoughts, and ideas that allow you to see outside of the box. A good mentor can fine-tune your priorities and inspire you to reach your goals. With the right motivation and self-confidence, you will be better equipped to pursue your dreams and aspirations.
3. They give sage advice.
Think of your mentor as your own personal sounding board. They should be available to share useful life lessons and offer sound counsel. In the business world, experience is the best teacher, and your mentor’s many years in the field have likely helped them save up golden nuggets of wisdom along the way.
4. They have your back.
A good mentor should not see you as competition; therefore, their guidance should be genuine and helpful. They should sincerely want to protect you from avoidable mistakes and help you make purposeful, goal-driven business decisions. Their assistance should protect you from making those “rookie mistakes” that have been the downfall of so many novice entrepreneurs.
5. They coach you to succeed.
Mentors are best known for being coaches. They help prepare you for what lies ahead. Under their tutelage, you can get ahead of the pack as you become smarter, more knowledgeable, and better adjusted than you would on your own.
There is no shame in asking for help and advice from those who are more experienced in business than you. In fact, they may be honored that you asked. If you are committed to being the best version of yourself, consider looking for a mentor to help you achieve your goals.
