I career coach
Finding A Mentor
I
You and your mentor must
am fortunate to have
enjoy each other's company and
worked closely with sev-
share unusually good chemistry.
eral great mentors who
The relationship can be nurtured
enriched my professional life
through many long lunches and
providing priceless advice,
a great deal of time in his or her
friendship and encourage-
office. You need a mentor who
ment.
will offer constructive criticism
Just as they were here for
and who, hopefully, will be in a
me, mentors are within your
position you would like to be in
reach. Corporate decision
Robert Sher
with enough clout and connec-
makers, community leaders
Colum nist
tions to guide you to a similar
and entrepreneurs, can help
position.
you reap immeasurable benefits from
This road to finding a mentor is long
the wise elder, the technical expert or the
peer who is a few steps ahead in his or her and it is imperative you do some home-
work before launching the search. You
career.
have choices for finding a mentor. Here are
While a typical network contact is most
some tips to get you started:
often associated with a quick introduc-
• Identify someone you admire and
tory hand shake, a routine exchange of
respect and ask that one person to men-
business cards and a few phone calls, your
tor you.
relationship with a mentor will be deeper
• Make a list of all of the successful
than that. The best mentors are success-
people you know, or want to know, con-
ful — which should not be confused with
tact them and ask to meet and talk about
the richest person you know — and will
his or her success. The one, or ones, who
delight in sharing their secrets of success
with others. Successful people like to share. respond will be the serious mentor candi-
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Mot.
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dates. You might find someone from your
own place of employment.
• Do not ask your direct supervisor to
be your mentor. This is just really never
a good idea. What if you want your boss's
job or if you have workplace issues to
discuss.
• In this process, decide what character-
istics you want in a mentor. What type of
communication style complements yours?
Do some snooping, asking the would-be
mentor's colleagues about personality and
for some insight.
• Know what you want. Consider find-
ing a mentor whom you respect and
someone with whom you share values.
Some mentees prefer an older, more
experienced mentor at a higher career
level so they can aspire to the top. Others
prefer peer mentors.
• Once you have found your mentor, dis-
cuss mutual expectations for the mentor-
ing relationship and how it will work.
A critical point: Be sure not to overbur-
den your mentor by demanding too much
time and attention. Set boundaries relat-
ing to confidentiality, time commitment
and the areas you mutually feel the mentor
can help you the most. Decide what you
both need from this relationship and then
discuss with your mentor the skills you
want to develop.
The right mentor can help to guide you,
provide tips on reaching goals and show
you the road he has already traveled. Your
time together should be engaging and
energizing.
While it takes time and diligence to
find the right mentor, it will be well worth
the effort. Along the way, remember to
show your gratitude with heartfelt thanks
in the form of a written note or comment
about how much the advice has meant to
you. Fl
Robert Sher, CPA, is a certified executive
coach. Formerly CFO and partner for Schostak
Brothers & Company, he now serves on the
West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees
and is treasurer of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Foundation. His
e-mail address is: info@bobshercom.
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October 11 • 2007
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