While coaching a small group of global bankers, a question popped up – ‘How do we find a Mentor?’
After some careful thought, and reflecting on some previous experiences, I responded that the question should have been ‘How do we find Mentors?’, with a plural instead!
From relatively informal ways to finding mentors or be mentored, organisations over the years have launched a slew of formal initiatives around it. They have experimented with Global Mentoring programmes involving senior leaders from different geographies or markets, Women Mentoring initiatives focused primarily on gender based issues, Business Mentoring models to drive revenues or acumen, and so on.
In my understanding, most of these initiatives have failed or have been largely ineffective owing to –
- either Mentor or Mentee not devoting time or making consistent effort
- either side not understanding their roles and responsibilities well
- a sense of insecurity persisting with the Mentee order flagyl 400 mg over the confidentiality of the exercise.
From my experience, these are some sure shot ways for Mentees to benefit from –
- Look for not one Mentor, but several. Not all Mentors have the experience, acumen or answers. Base your choice on your specific needs such as, understanding business or markets, networking, effective leadership, conflict management, communication skills, etc.
- Look for not only seniors but also Mentors who can be junior to you (Reverse Mentoring). You never know what interesting ideas, support or learning you can gain from some younger folks around you. Drop your ego!
Ultimately, if you are serious about developing, make sure you persevere and invest sufficient time in building rapport, asking relevant questions and being open minded in experimenting with what threads you picked up from your Mentors. That will encourage them more to reach out to you and help you further.
