The Benefits of Seeking Out Mentorship: How to Find and Work with a Mentor to Accelerate Your Personal and Professional Growth

I first saw the movie Star Wars A New Hope when I was about three years old (Ehem, when it originally aired in 1977). Even then I knew I needed someone like Obi Wan Kenobi in my life. Surely there was someone out there willing to pass down ancient wisdom to someone like me eager to run off on some “damn fooled adventure”. 

Watching the movie and the later sequels it is clear the impact Obi wan played as a mentor in the trajectory of Luke Skywalker’s professional career as a Jedi. I am smiling ear to ear right now trying to keep a straight face with this reference. 

At any rate, you may not find yourself bringing back the Jedi order but having a mentor can certainly bring a great deal of value to your personal and professional life. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and insights that can help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively. Whether you are starting a new career, launching a business, or looking to improve your skills, a mentor can be a valuable resource.

Here are some tips for finding and working with a mentor:

• Identify your needs: Determine what you hope to gain from the mentorship relationship and what you are looking for in a mentor.
• Network: Connect with individuals in your field and attend events to meet potential mentors.
• Ask for introductions: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for introductions to individuals they think would make a good mentor.
• Be proactive: Reach out to individuals you admire and express your interest in their mentorship.
• Set expectations: Once you have found a mentor, set clear expectations for the relationship, including goals, frequency of meetings, and desired outcomes.

One of the benefits of the UnBoxed2Lead Leaders’ Peer Support Community is the exposure and access you have to potential mentors or mentees. The LPSC platform is designed and customized for you to engage with the members of your cohort in a dynamic and meaningful way without getting lost in the crowd. If you want to learn more about the program you can schedule an informational call here.