That’s why a mentor who “finds ways to grow in areas inside and outside of the workplace” is irreplaceable, said Ashlie Benson, chief of staff at Agricycle Global. This trait is what sets a mentor apart from a cheerleader.
A mentor knows your career progression, your desired path, and your strengths and weaknesses. They can see the gaps that need to be filled in order to achieve your goals. A cheerleader, on the other hand, is just there to offer encouragement.
their role is to make you better, not just make you feel better.
►3. Earn their trust and respect
A mentor is someone you can look up to. You respect them for truemoney database their work, their ethics, and their unique personality.
You may also share information with them that you don’t share with anyone else, so they need to be trustworthy. For any mentor-mentee relationship to last — and be beneficial to both parties — you need to be able to have difficult conversations. This can include talking about issues that come up at work (such as salary negotiations, promotions, difficulties with a colleague or manager, quitting a job, or being fired).
Trusting someone enough to share challenges takes time. So find a mentor who respects this time and doesn’t pressure you to reveal personal information right from the start. The goal is to build an open, respectful, and professional relationship.
►4. Express empathy
Empathy is important for all working relationships, but it's an essential quality for mentoring.
Mentors with high levels of emotional intelligence listen to you and empathize with you. They understand that you're human and make mistakes. And they make you feel comfortable talking about the good and bad things that happen in your life.
That's why it's best to look for a mentor who understands that life happens, people get sick, and priorities change. They should be willing to show their humanity and offer guidance in a way that resonates with you as a person.
►5. Has relevant knowledge and skills
Of all the traits to look for in a mentor, this is often the most important.
Mentors with relevant knowledge and skills have been in a similar position to you, so they can offer you industry- or role-specific advice as you navigate your career and achieve your goals.
I looked for a mentor with this specific quality when I first started my own company. I didn’t have much experience negotiating contracts, managing budgets, or handling unpaid invoices. I needed guidance beyond Google.
Fortunately, I found Austin Adesso, who had successfully run his creative agency Partners in Post for several years. His advice helped me learn how to negotiate longer contracts and charge a competitive price for my work.
Find a mentor with the skills and experience you’d like to have and rely on them for insight. Just remember that their journey is unique, so do what feels right for you when considering the advice they offer.