Mentor, Mentor, Do you have a Mentor?
Hello Rakstars,
Why did the mentor bring a ladder to the advice session?
Because they wanted to take their mentee to the next level!
Transcending down the path of a professional journey can be time consuming and overall crazy. There is nothing like slaving the day to climb the never ending ladder. Literally! You walk into your building, ride up the elevator only to be downgraded by seasoned professionals. In a fast landscape, where the world is your oyster, there are rough waters at sea. Alas, we need to possess a compass – something that can help us navigate and provide guidance.
All aboard, Rakstars.
Mentorship is all the rage now. But yet we shrug our shoulders. Who would want to mentor me, one may say. But fear not, mentors enjoy what they do. They like to communicate and pass down advice they wish they learnt. Not only are they like teachers but also a friend. Are you ready to navigate the uncharted waters of your career? Probably not. But that’s okay. No one is. You have to be well seasoned, to be in steady waters.
The relationship between young professionals and mentors is important when you want to move up the ladder and grow your mindset.
Wisdom Transcends Your Journey
A mentor, as you know, is someone who is seasoned in their field, thus having an abundance of experience and knowledge. Their words enlighten you based on their real-world scenarios which becomes an invaluable gem. The benefit of their wisdom allows you to avoid pitfalls and make the best informed choices.
Career Roadmap and Goal Setting
Buckle your seats, we are going for a ride. Literally. As a young professional, you are not taking a one straight, no speed bumps, no detours, all inclusive ride. Nah! Doesn’t work that way. If it does – let me know who you know?
Career goals are a timid task which is hard. Just like picking what you want to do after high school. There is no way you’re going to have all the answers and your parents or your siblings or your Uncle who thinks he knows it all but really it’s your Aunt that feeds all that information are gonna know either. You need someone, unbiased, someone who doesn’t really know you so they can’t sugar coat things. Someone who actually knows what they are saying because they lived it.
Having a mentor is to help you with your aspirations and journey. Every step you take along the way is important, creating a roadmap to your success.
Building a Professional Network
Network! Network! Network! Go and meet people. Yes, do it! I know you’re an introvert but it’s okay. Everyone is scared, even the people that you need to network with. It’s a put on that they are confident but really they are nervous to meet you. I mean who wouldn’t. You are a great human being. A Rakstar! I would be nervous to meet you as well.
Networking can help open the doors to the industry you want to be in, allowing to create opportunities to learn, collaborate and expand your circle.
Navigating Workplace Situations
Dynamics in a workplace aka a fancy term for situations in the workplace can be hard to face alone. You can’t really run to your boss or your gossip lover co-worker. Mentors can help serve as a helpful guide to understanding politics, cough, I mean, situations and help you to build positive relationships.
Skill Development
Learning new perspectives can help you with your growth and learning. This is essential to be a well-rounded individual which is important to the overall culture at your organization. Mentors can offer constructive feedback, allowing you to stay competitive in your field.
Emotional Support
The career journey is not smooth like peanut butter. No it is not. It has its challenges which can really shake your confidence. Been there, done that! Talking to a mentor is like therapy where you can tell them about the situation and they are there to provide emotional support through the setbacks. This will only make you stronger as a mentor is a powerful motivator.
Fostering a Growth Mindset
A mentor can help you have a growth mindset, allowing you to embrace challenges and learn from criticism. Having a mentor with a positive mindset can really help you get out of your old mind.
There are two mindsets:
- Old Mindset: You have all the right answers. Great, okay, you’re in a fixed state of solutions.
- Growth Mindset: You ask powerful questions. Okay so now you’re talking about innovative game changing solutions.
Add Value to the Workplace
As a person trying to carve their path, you have the opportunity to add what you have learned from your mentor and apply it to your work, thus, not creating a benefit just for yourself but also for the culture of the organization. You never know, one day you may be a mentor, paying the knowledge and advice you learnt forward – creating the cycle of knowledge contributing to the growth and development of people who really need it.
Key Principles when you are in your Advice Sessions
- Pause before you speak
- Listening is more powerful than speaking
- Hear out all possibilities
Ways to Stay Organized with Your Mentor
- Think ahead with your conversation before speaking with your mentor – this will help to engage a better conversation, not wasting your precious mentor’s time
- Plan ahead with where you want to meet, whether it’s in person or virtually. You can plan to go out for lunch, coffee break or try going for a walk together.
- Book ahead as your mentor is a busy person. A night before you want to meet, won’t really cut it. Be professional and give a reasonable time notice.
Rakstars, in the political world of the professional world, mentorship is a great way to stay ahead of the challenges and work towards your success. Benefits are extraneous including your immediate career growth, fostering learning and seizing success. This could be your key to a bright future ahead. Rakstars, even stars, need a constellation to shine their brightest. So what are you waiting for?
