Coaching for Leaders

105: How to Find a Mentor


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In Greek mythology, Mentor was a friend of Odysseus and was placed in charge of his son Telemachus when Odysseus left for war.

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary calls a mentor, “A trusted counselor or guide.”

What do you want to get from mentoring?

  • Probably what you aren’t good at (or at least not yet)
  • Plus, it’s something that’s important for you to get better at
  • Advance planning

    • Who do you know who’s good at that?
    • Are there multiple people?
    • You don’t have to know them today
    • Your greatest mentors will never expect anything
    • Identify specifically how someone can help and begin there
    • Make a mind map of the people who could help
    • Create a board of directors
    • Getting Started

      • Start off with a specific question
      • Know that not everyone will respond or won’t be willing to help
      • Wait on asking someone to “be a mentor”
        • Everyone has a different context for this
        • It could seem like a huge commitment
        • It’s awkward if they don’t want to make that committment
        • Find a way to connect regularly

          • This is where proximity and formal programs can help
          • Make a point to connect regularly
          • It’s great to be influenced by those that you don’t speak with regularly, but find people you will see
          • Be willing to ask for help

            • Get out of the “asking for help is a weakness” mentality
            • What’s something in front of you right now that a new perspective would be helpful with? My challenge to you is to go out and identify a person and approach them with a specific question and ask advice. Remember, you don’t have to take the advice. If they don’t respond, identify a second person.

              Past shows that might also be helpful to you on the topic of mentoring:

              • Episode #61: How to Start A Mentoring Program with guest Stella Cowan
              • Episode #63: Practical Advice for Mentoring with guest Kurt Allebach
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                Coaching for LeadersBy Dave Stachowiak

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