0

How do I find a mentor?

I wrote about this previous here and I wanted to add to this list a little bit because it's been on my mind for a while. One of my greatest passions is to help student and leaders grow in whatever areas God's directing them towards.  One of the ways I've grown most as a leader has been to always have mentors in my life who will ask me the tough questions, call me out to greater things, and be someone to bounce ideas/thoughts off of. So I talk to students a lot about finding mentors in their life and they usually ask me "How do I find a mentor?"

Well here's the second round of my two cents:

  1. Ask yourself what do you need in a mentor. (Clear expectations for both people is essential to having a healthy mentorship)
  2. Think outside the box. (My mentors weren't always church leaders or business leaders...I had some Godly coaches, a few Godly teachers, My dad & mom were two of my greatest mentors even when I didn't realize it)
  3. When it's time for the "ask", be specific.  (Example: "Can we maybe sit down over coffee for 30 minutes so I can ask you come questions."
  4. Offer your mentor something. (Example: if you're asking them to mentor you in a specific area, bring research YOU'VE done in that area so that you can contribute to the conversation and so that they don't have to just spoon-feed you everything you'll ever learn...show some initiative)
  5. Be appreciative. (Mentors are taking time out of their schedule/day to spend with you because  they care...so show appreciation, enthusiasm, offer to buy the cup of coffee...do something to show them that you see their time is valuable and you appreciate their time.)

Click to share thisClick to share this