Happy New Year! The beginning of a new year is always a great opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a great time to evaluate the direction you are aiming for and the best way to get there. 

A great way to understand the changes to make and steps to take is mentoring. And January just so happens to be Mentoring Month. Having a great mentor is like having a personal guide through the twists and turns of your journey. Not only do they offer great insight, but they can share their own journey and experience. With a mentor by your side, you gain not just professional guidance but also a trusted confidant who believes in your abilities and supports your growth every step of the way.  

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the transformative power of having a mentor cannot be overstated. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by many, and I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor others. Whether it’s in business, personal life, or both, having a trusted voice is so important. We can all benefit from hearing from someone outside our usual circle.  

Choose a mentor whose life and values you respect and aspire to emulate. Don’t climb a career ladder where the people at the top don’t have the lives you want. If you find you don’t actually like the view from the top of their ladder, don’t hesitate to seek a new perspective. After all, the right mentor can help you not only climb the best ladder for you but also enjoy the view every step along the way. 

Here’s what to look for in a mentoring relationship: 

  1. Guidance and Wisdom. A mentor is like a personal GPS for your career and personal growth, providing a sense of security. They’ve been through the ups and downs and can offer insights that you might not find in a textbook or seminar. They can help you navigate tricky situations, make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. And, just maybe, a smoother journey. They’ve been there, done that.
  2. Accountability and Motivation. It’s easy to set goals, but sticking to them? That’s the hard part. A mentor keeps you accountable. They check on your progress, push you to stay on track, and celebrate your successes with you. Knowing someone is in your corner can be incredibly motivating. 
  3. Personal Growth. Mentors don’t just help you professionally; they’ll help you grow as a person. They challenge you to think differently, develop new skills, and become the best version of yourself. It’s like having a personal cheerleader and coach rolled into one.  
  4. Networking and Opportunities. Mentors often have extensive networks and can open doors you didn’t even know existed. They can introduce you to key people in your industry, recommend you for opportunities, and help you build valuable connections. Your career will look very different with the introductions and recommendations that come from a good mentor. 

The beauty of a mentor 

Finding the right mentor can be a daunting pursuit. Start by identifying your goals and determining what you would like to achieve. Do you need career guidance, or do you want to pursue personal growth? It helps to narrow down the specific areas where you’d like to see change and look for someone who can help you focus on that. 

Start with your own network. Is there someone whose achievements and values you admire? Sometimes, the best mentors are closer than you think.  

This happened to a friend of mine. Leigh Anne was looking for a mentor but not having much success. I asked her, “Who in your life do you admire? Who do you see succeeding in their passion?” Leigh Anne instantly replied with the name of her friend’s mom, Pamela. Someone very different from herself – professionally and personally. Pamela was an artist. A free spirit. She owned her own successful art studio. Leigh Anne worked in sales. Despite the differences, she reached out to Pamela and found that she actually had so much to learn from how Pamela navigated business and how she managed her personal life. Pamela’s ability to think outside the box challenged Leigh Anne in creative ways, and she found herself equipped with new strategies that enriched her professionally and personally. 

The view from the top 

One final note: don’t forget about the potential you have to be a mentor yourself! Mentoring others is a way to give back and make a positive impact on someone else’s journey. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see your mentee grow and succeed. The beautiful thing about mentoring is that it’s a two-way street. While you are sharing your knowledge and experience, you’re also learning from your mentee. They bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and new avenues for networking opportunities.  

Mentoring creates a strong partnership by sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s growth. Enjoy the journey.