3 Reasons Why You Need A Mentor Now More Than Ever
3 Reasons Why You Need A Mentor Now More Than Ever
Steal from others to get better
A couple of months ago, I was speaking with someone. During this conversation, I mentioned how I needed to consult with my mentor about an upcoming decision I wanted to make. The decision was related to my career; I needed to speak with my mentor to determine what was right.
My friend looked shocked. He wondered why I still needed to consult with a career mentor despite my depth of knowledge in career development.
He thought I could go all by myself since I was a career coach and spent a lot of time reading and consuming blog posts, articles, podcasts, videos, thoughts from industry leaders and the like.
He wasn’t wrong. I could go all in myself and make the decision.
However, I have learnt to always consult with a mentor for critical decisions.
Here’s why.
You Can Buy Knowledge, Not Experience.
I might have consumed tons of carer development content, which might have given me the edge to where I am today.
I also recognise that I am still fairly young in my career and still have a lot ahead of me. Unlike me, my mentors have tens of years of work experience and have overcome certain challenges I have yet to encounter, so they know how to navigate them best.
Remember, you can buy knowledge but not experience.
Two Good Heads Are Always Better Than One
You have probably heard that two good heads are better than one. Yes, it’s true. When you give excellent mentors, you will most likely get excellent advice from them. A great mentor will ensure you do not make mistakes and provide objective advice based on his only experience.
You might have decided what you wanted before consulting with your mentor; however, having your mentor go the same route means that you probably took the right decision. If he did suggest something else, it doesn’t mean you have made a wrong decision. It probably means you didn’t consider certain issues critically. Think of it as critiquing what you think was right.
Either way, two great minds are better than one and having an experienced leader in your decision-making can make a difference and help you avoid potential pitfalls in your decisions.
Referencing
Finally, you need a reference for all the job applications you submitted when you are finally ready to change jobs. Most jobs require you to enlist one or two references of persons who can attest to your skills, abilities and competencies.
Mentors are usually the easiest to enlist to complete this requirement for you, especially for those who have previously worked as your manager.
Why?
They know you well and can attest to your skills in a convincing and positive manner, which employers want.
Checking with your mentor every now and then on important decisions helps you make important decisions and lets you stay in touch with important mentors in your career.
It’s a good idea to check it and socialise with your references every couple of months, not just when you need assistance. Yes, you might sway with not checking in at all, but you can solidify and enhance your relationships when you occasionally check in with your mentors.
It shows you consider them important in your life and career and appreciate their presence in your career.
Final Thoughts
No matter how far you go, you still need a guide.
You might be on top of your career and acing it. You might be a lone ranger and have been making good decisions since you began your career. No matter how good you think you are and how far you believe you have gone without help, you still need a mentor.
A great mentor will help you navigate important decisions and avoid pitfalls you might have encountered unaided. You will also get a great reference when you eventually change jobs.
Remember, you can buy knowledge but not experience.
Don’t go alone.
Find a mentor.
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