Evan Carmichael Top Header about About About facebook Twitter YouTube Google+

Attracting A Mentor



Free PDF Download
Tis the Season for Social Events at the Office - By Dia Sutton

Name: Email:


      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

           

                               -          Know your job and go beyond the expected

                               -          Be identified as competent and trustworthy

                 

                       -           Volunteer for special projects

                       -          Help others

                       -        Network with others

 

                      -          Sign up for special projects

                      -          Introduce yourself to new people within the organization

                      -          Be prepared to accept feedback

                 

                     -          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

 

                            -         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

                 

     


Related Articles

  Why Small Business Entrepreneurs Need a Mentor
  How To Effectively Use Business Mentoring
  How to Find the Best Mentor for Your Needs
  Business Mentoring Programs
  The Success of a Mentee Is a Mentor’s Ultimate Reward
  Why would someone come to work for you?
  The Power and Profit of Mentorship
  Mentoring - It’s All Greek to Me!
  Mentors – Do you have one?
  Why Having a Mentor is so Important for Your Business
  Finding the Right Mentor
  Do you need a mentor?
  Why You Need a Mentor
  Q&A - Problem with a mentor
  Do you have a mentor
  Mentors Make Magic in Your Life
  Mirroring Your Mentor’s Success
  Get Yourself a Mentor
  Characteristics of a Mentor
  Do you have a good Mentor for your Business?

Home > Human-Resources > Dia Sutton > Attracting A Mentor >

Free PDF Download
Tis the Season for Social Events at the Office - By Dia Sutton

Name: Email:

About the Author: Dia Sutton

RSS for Dia's articles - Visit Dia's website

Dianne Floyd Sutton is President of Sutton Enterprises, author, trainer, educator, expert witness, coach and actor. She has over twenty years of combined experience in Human Resource Development (HRD) processes, Diversity, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Communication training.  Sutton Enterprises (SE) is a full service human resource development organization which offers a variety of Human Resource Development (HRD)services, i.e. training, keynotes, facilitations, EEO interventions, organizational development, etc.  For more information about SE go to www.suttonenterprises.org

Dianne Sutton has the skills to create a safe learning environment where diverse participants are able to ask questions, experiment with new behaviors and development new skills. She also has the ability to present models and techniques in a straight forward, clear and humorous manner.  She started her career as 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.  In 2010 Dianne was awarded the Spencer Logan Leadership Award from the Training Officers Consortium (TOC) in Washington, DC.  This is the organization's highest honor.  For more information go to www.trainingofficers.org

Dianne is on a civility crusade as Ms. Etiquette Ms. Etiquette offers a down-to-earth, in-depth presentation peppered with real life examples and appropriate humor.  She demystifies the rules and gives insights into behaviors that increase respect, collaboration and trust in the workplace.  Check out Ask Ms. Etiquette for answers to questions about appropriate etiquette in the workplace at www.suttonenterprises.org


Click here to visit Dia's website.
Dashed Line

More from Dia Sutton
Your Email Manners On the Job
Shout Out to the Disabled Overcoming Ableism
Cubical Etiquette
Disability Etiquette 2 Visual Impairment
TECHNOLOGY ETIQUETTE

Related Forum Posts

Famous Entrepreneur Question? Famous Entrepreneur Question?
Re: HOW DO I STAND OUT FROM THE REST? Re: HOW DO I STAND OUT FROM THE REST?
On Mentors On Mentors
A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!! A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!
Great To Be Here With You Great To Be Here With You

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Share for a Cause
Featured Expert



Worksheets
By: Evan Carmichael

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

8 Powerful Steps to Finding Your Passion

Does your pitch suck?

Create a plan of attach to launch your new business.

8-Cover

Like this page? PLEASE +1 it! Evan Signature
Bottom Footer



Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Popular Articles

Earn Money With A Social Networking Script

What’s Your Big Why?

How To Improve Your CTA (Call To Action)

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.