Be A Mentor

 

What is a Mentor?

My definition of a mentor is anyone who uses their personal experience to help someone else grow and develop as a person.  

Note: I refer to “personal” development here because in the end, mentoring is about people. However, it can be personal or professional. If you ask any successful person, what is one key to your success, they will probably say they had great mentors. I know I did.

I spent 30 years in the Air Force and mentoring was a way of life for us. From the time I was a new basic trainee until I retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, (CMSgt), I had many amazing people mentoring me the entire time. No matter how big or small, they all had a hand in my development and for that, I’m forever thankful.

What a mentor does.

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself and helps bring it out of you.” — Bob Proctor

A mentor gives their time to help others.

A mentor uses their experience and knowledge to guide and help you grow as a person.

A mentor has the courage to step in and say, you’re doing that wrong, let me show you a better way or you’re doing that okay, but let me show you a better way.

A mentor provides motivation and inspiration by encouraging the mentored to be better.

A mentor listens and offers advice (remember, constructive criticism is a good thing) when needed. Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to.

A mentor must provide feedback that is clear, constructive, and honest.

A mentor acknowledges and praises good behavior and choices.

What a mentor doesn’t do.

A mentor is not a coach. Coaches teach a set of skills and behaviors. Mentors use personal experiences to help you change and grow.

A mentor is not there to run your life or do your job. They are only there to offer advice gained from their own personal experiences.

A mentor does not force someone to use the advice they offer.

A mentor doesn’t come across as harsh or criticize. Don’t treat the person as an idiot.

A mentor cannot be afraid to tell someone they are doing something wrong.

How can being a mentor help you.

Help you develop as a leader.

Improve your communication ability.

Often, a mentor learns as much as they teach.

Increased self-confidence.

Making new friends.

The satisfaction you get from helping others.

Misconceptions about mentoring.

You must be old to be a mentor. Anyone of any age can be a mentor.

Only young people require mentoring. Wrong, people can need mentoring at any age.  I’m 69 and with so many changes in technology, I welcome and rely on younger folks mentoring.

A mentor must be an expert. Many times, mentors will not be an expert.

Mentoring is one way. Mentoring is not a one-way street. Most of the time a person who benefits from mentoring, will become a mentor themselves.

A mentor should be the same as the mentored. While that’s nice, the best learning often happens when you're exposed to different ways of thinking.

Mentoring is easy. Mentoring is hard and takes time and energy.

Conclusion:

While, clearly the one being mentored benefits the most, there are many advantages to being a mentor. Serving as a mentor can give you fulfillment as well as strengthening your skills and expertise. This is your chance to pass on your experience and make a difference. Think back on the people who influenced you and look for ways to pay them back, while helping others.  It will be worth it, and you won’t be sorry.