The Hindu Business Line : Finding a mentor at work

It is often said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” Lack of proper direction and guidance can suppress the process of your growth. It, therefore, becomes important to find a person who has the ability, time and dedication to provide you with those necessary tips that will help you reach your objectives through the best possible way.

So, who is a mentor? In simple words, a mentor is a wise and trusted counsellor or teacher who can act as a catalyst and nurture your potential and talent.

The need for a mentor

Remember that tough mathematics problem that took hours to solve because you did not know the right method or the formula that had to be applied.

You therefore sought the help of your maths teacher or tutor to understand the underlying concept.

Similarly, in an organisation, one needs to know the correct method or path to achieve one’s professional and personal goals. A mentor can help you in the following ways:

To gain in-depth knowledge about the industry and the culture of the organisation you are working in, especially if you are new to both.

For personal growth and development — to acquire leadership and communication skills.

With the help of a mentor, you can build a network of contacts within and outside the organisation.

If you arrive at a point in your career when your duties are actually ‘easy’ and you are in a comfort zone, it is time to create some challenges of your own. A mentor can give you a real world perspective and keep you sharp.

Locating a mentor at work

You must keep your eyes and ears open in order to identify a mentor. Observing people at work is the best way to identify whether they possess the skills you require to develop. A mentor could be:

Senior executives from the organisation.

An experienced colleague.

Senior professionals from the industry.

Your former professors from college.

Qualities to look for

It is very important for one to identify the right mentor.

Remember, we need to be the initial judge of the qualities that a mentor should possess. Ideally, a mentor:

Is easily accessible.

Is a good listener.

Is encouraging and motivating.

Suggests new or creative ways to approach a problem.

Has foresight and experience.

Is honest and transparent about feedback.

Is ready to share his/her experience.

Possesses skills that you need to develop.

While having a strong or immediate rapport is good, remember that a mentorship is not a friendship; you are not trying to widen your social circle. So make sure that you are aware of the mentor’s availability so that you are not in conflict with the mentor’s schedule.

Making the most of the mentor-mentee relationship

Approach the mentor with trust and confidence.

There should be openness and transparency between the mentor and you. Both of you should not be hesitant to discuss a concern or issue.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on the areas you need to develop or improve.

Interaction and two-way communication is always healthy. One should be ready to contribute and be proactive towards responsibilities.

Accept feedback constructively.

Approach the mentor to develop contacts and references.

Add mentors, coaches and role models who can provide you with much needed expertise.

No one can make it on his/her own. Even if you could make it on your own, why should you when help is available to simplify the path?

(The writer is a Managing Partner at W.C.H Training Solutions, a New Delhi-based training and consulting firm.)

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