The Next Great Protégé

A mentor can be a vital person to have in your life. Whether a coach, tutor, coworker or listener, a mentor can offer wisdom, advice, contacts and their experience to you. A mentor is there to tell you what to need to hear, not what you want to hear. The right mentor can take you far in your career path if you are able to listen and absorb the insight from an experienced source. Aristotle mentored Alexander the Great and he became one of the most successful military commanders in history. Have you found your Aristotle in the workplace? Do you understand the value other people hold in helping you shape and assess your career? Here are some reasons why mentors can boost your success at work.

Hands down, mentors are great at listening and giving advice. If you can find someone in your field that has either been where you are or is at the top of their industry then it is crucial that you confide in them and use them as a mentor. If you choose a mentor who has values that you respect then it is easier to form a relationship and take their guidance. They will be able to help you focus on other parts of the job that are more important then power and money. Having a mentor who appreciates the importance of living by strongly held values can help you develop good habits in making job choices and conquering the fear and anxiety of the workplace. Furthermore, mentors are neutral listeners who can help you weigh your pros and cons. They can walk you through different scenarios or give you personal examples of how they thrived in their industry. So take the time to listen!

Most importantly, a mentor can help you network and gain connections within your industry. Becoming close with others in your field is a great way to learn more about your industry and get your face shown to people that matter. The person who agrees to mentor you is most likely successful in their industry and has had numerous experiences that led him or her to the top. Take advantage of your connection with them and use that to launch your career. Don’t name drop like crazy but learn to network to the best of your ability.

With the help of a mentor you will be able to gain confidence in your field, grow to where you want to be, assess your goals and listen to experienced advice. Find someone you connect with and become the next Alexander the Great of your trade.