Finding a mentor remains a key to planning a career with your current employer. I have discussed the concept of mentors in previous posts. Mentors guide people who are new to the company as well as people starting a career—or starting a new career. They impart their wisdom and understanding about the company to new workers. Mentors guide you through the pitfalls, written, unwritten rules, and the corporate culture of your company.
Seeking Success outlines the following steps to succeed with a mentor:
Finding a Career Mentor
- “Don't expect your manager to be your mentor.
- Look for senior people within your company who have been along a career path similar to yours.
- Find an individual who shares your values, work style, and sense of humor.
- Choose someone you admire, and who is uplifting.”
Asking for their Support
- “Before you ask for support, prepare a plan. What exactly do you expect of them? If you're asking this person to commit, they need to know what they are getting into. It is not reasonable to ask for more than one meeting a month. Define the type of guidance you need. For example, you may want a promotion to manager and want help creating an action plan. Be as specific as you can.
- Invite the potential mentor to meet to discuss your career. Assure them that you are not asking for a job, you're just looking for some advice.
- At the meeting, define the relationship and your vision. Don't assume the person you are asking will say, "yes." If you sense they are not sure, ask them to think about it overnight. Give them room to say, "no." If they feel pressured to accept, you may not get the level of participation you want.”
Find a mentor within your current company. Let him or her take you under their wing and teach you the ropes.
Join me on Wednesday to continue learning how to plan a career within the organization
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