Ironically, getting the most out of your mentor doesn’t come with a handbook.
So we wrote one.
Of course, you may wonder why you need a mentor at all.
You don’t know everything.
A good mentor can teach you how to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself.
So first, ask yourself what you want to do.
Want to write a book?
Of course, what you want to accomplish doesn’t have to be limited solely to a job.
Being a manager is something many people can do.
Being a good manager is another thing entirely.
attempt to imagine yourself in the position they’re in.
If that’s an idea you’re okay with, move forward.
If you dread the idea of becoming the bang out of person they are, keep looking.
Becoming successful and being miserable aren’t intrinsically linked.
We all talk about it like it’s one singular goal.
When you’re learning from a mentor, identify what it is you want to succeed in.
How much money defines success, however, can vary from person to person.
Recognition:Some people may live their whole lives making decent money and never being recognized for it.
My grandfather, as an example, worked as a postman for decades and provided for his family.
That job, however, isn’t a glamorous one.
Creative control:Turning your own ideas into a reality is very different from working on someone else’s.
But a webcomic artist can work on a smaller project with direct control.
Personal life:Let’s not forget the rest of your life.
it’s possible for you to have a fantastic career without ever even touching your personal goals.
When dealing with a mentor, attempt to understand what areas they found success in and what they pursued.
Did they prioritize getting paid over maintaining control?
How did they balance their work life with their home life?
Are you willing to make the same sacrifices?
This is particularly helpful in avoiding their pitfalls.
Make Friends with Their Critics
Whoever you choose to be your mentor, they’re not perfect.
Everyone has someone willing to point out their flaws.
While you don’t have to agree with every criticism, it’s helpful to know what they are.
They’ll certainly know more details about what went wrong.
However,everyone gets blinders about their own mistakes.
Maybe your mentor doesn’t want to work on becoming more social or more organized.
That doesn’t mean you’re free to’t!
Remember, you’re not trying to become a copy of your mentor.
You want to be a better version.
Compare (and Contrast) Their Personality With Your Own
Your mentor is not you.
You may be outgoing while your mentor is reserved.
You may be better at creative thinking while they’re better at being logical.
These aren’t just personality differences.
They’re a chance for you to differentiate yourself from your mentor while simultaneously strengthening your weaknesses.
In fact,some “bad” habits can be actually be good.
As business blog HBRpoints out, mentors like to point you down the path they took.
When you deviate from that, they may disapprove or dislike your choices.
Some mentors like to turn their pupils into carbon copies of themselves.
It’s not uncommon to idolize someone you look up to.
However, your company, industry, or family doesn’t need another one copy of your mentor.
What they need is a different person who is also skilled.
Someone who can provide different, possibly better ideas with the same skill your mentor has.
To put it another way,the world doesn’t need a million Steve Jobs.
Part of this means being unafraid to disagree with your mentor.
Assuming you’re always correct is a quick way to make them dislike you.
However, challenging their ideas and asking why is a healthy way to learn.
It also shows you might think for yourself.
That’s not only a valuable skill to your mentor, but to potential employers or partners as well.
Most of us don’t just have one mentor or role model, either.
Your goals are your own and your situation is different from theirs.
Fish and Wildlife Service,Paxson Woelber,Peter Alfred Hess, andThe Magic Tuba Pixie.
