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Attracting A Mentor

Attracting A Mentor

     

How to Attract a Mentor

 Some Background Information

The ancient Greeks were among the first to use mentoring as a tool for developing talent.   Greek mythology provides us with much information on mentoring practices.  During the Trojan Wars, Odysseus left his son Telemachus with his friend Mentor who would teach and guide his son in his absence. 

The first recorded modern usage of the term can be traced to a book entitled "Les Aventures de Telemaque", by the French writer , published in 1699. In the book the lead character is that of Mentor. This book was very popular during the 18th century and the modern application of the term can be traced to this publication. programs" in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people, who advise them and serve as examples as they advance. Schools sometimes offer mentoring programs to new students, or students having difficulties. 

Mentor: a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Some professions have "

Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship.  An example in the movies is Star Wars -

Formal Mentoring

Informal Mentoring

 

Defined length of time

Specifically designed

 Established goals, clarified and shared

 Tied to Competences

 Professional skills development

 Organizational driven

 Structured training

Undefined length of time (sometimes years)

Occurs by chance 

Goals and needs determined by individual

 No accountability

 Personal development

 Personal chemistry

 Training identified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2.         Determine the type of mentoring - Strategic Mentoring versus  Tactical  Mentoring

            Strategic- thinking, planning, and actions which reflect the  individuals' ability to  consider the big picture, recognize patterns and trends, honor priorities, anticipate issues, predict outcomes, and have smart alternatives to fall back upon.   Strategic issues deal with overriding mission and purpose, why the organization  exists, how it makes a difference that others don't or can't make, and where it  will be in the future. 

            Tactical- refers to the hands-on part of getting the job done, making sure the     strategic goals are met. It's performing each implementation task with quality and   efficiency.

           Note that both are very important. 

 

3.         Determine how a mentor can help? One of the most valuable things a mentor can do is help you take an honest look at yourself related to strategy and tactics.    Don't wait for the ideal mentor. Instead pull  key learnings from several.)Suggestions
  • Identify your goals

                        -          Develop an individual career/life development plan  which charts out your career path and life goals            

                        -          Talk with your supervisor about your development needs

                        -          Identify formal leadership programs to which to apply

                        -           Identify specifically what you seek to learn from a mentor

           

  • Excel at what you do

                               -          Know your job and go beyond the expected

                               -          Be identified as competent and trustworthy

                 

  • Be Visible

                       -           Volunteer for special projects

                       -          Help others

                       -        Network with others

 

  • Learn to take risks

                      -          Sign up for special projects

                      -          Introduce yourself to new people within the organization

                      -          Be prepared to accept feedback

                 

  • Publicize Your Achievements

                     -          Write articles for agency, civic groups

                     -          Write a letter to a friend or family member about what you have accomplished in one year

                     -          Take pictures to capture the moment and feeling

 

  • Use Political Savvy

                            -         Value your reputation

                     -         Choose well - research the reputation of the Mentor

                     -         Be perceived as an ethical team player

                    -          Think strategically about how you will reach your goals

                 

     





Attracting A Mentor - To learn more about this author, visit Dia Sutton's Website.

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Dia Sutton
(Visit Dia's Website) Go to www.suttonenterprises.org Dianne Floyd Sutton is President of Sutton Enterprises, author, trainer, educator, facilitator, expert witness, coach and actor. She has twenty-five years of combined experience in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training. And she has twenty years of business experience as Sutton Enterprises. She has the skills to create a safe learning environment where diverse participants are able to ask questions, experiment with new behaviors and make mistakes. She also has the ability to present models and techniques in a straight forward and clear manner so that they are easier to remember and utilize. Ms. Sutton She was a mathematics instructor in the St. Louis, Missouri Public School System while attending graduate school at Washington University. Before founding Sutton Enterprises in 1987, she held a variety of positions at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in training and employee development. Her most recent publication is Workplace Etiquette: A Guide to Thriving and Surviving in Today’s Workplace.

Dia Sutton is a Gold author on EvanCarmichael.com
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