The origin of the word “mentor” dates to Greek mythology. Mentor was the teacher of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, who was king of Ithaca. The word evolved to mean trusted advisor, teacher and sage. Today, mentors are experienced colleagues who can provide you with invaluable help and guidance as you begin or advance your professional career.
Your mentor is the first person you turn to when you face career ups and downs, whether you’re searching for a new job or developing your current one. They’re readily accessible to share their knowledge, experience, wisdom and creativity.
Mentors keep you positive and motivated.
Mentors accept you for who you are and help you progress at your own pace. Mentoring is a positive growth and learning experience for both parties.
- Your mentor motivates you to accomplish more than you think you can. They listen and foster your self-motivation. The best mentoring relationships are actually guided by the person being mentored.
- They are positive people who help you find the lessons in your experience and use them to move forward. Their uplifting attitude helps you through tough times and shows you how to “make lemonade” by finding opportunities in the difficulties you face.
They help you look objectively at your shortcomings and turn them into positives.
It’s easy to see others’ weaknesses, but sometimes more difficult to spot your own. Sometimes, the same thing you criticize in others is something you manifest yourself. Your mentor holds a mirror to your personality and style. They’ll be relentlessly honest in reflecting what they observe back to you.
- Mentors hold you to higher standards. They encourage and congratulate you when you meet their expectations and correct you when you fall short. But their criticism is always constructive and given in a manner that allows you to learn what to do differently the next time around.
- They suggest ways in which you can improve. They focus on specific areas as needed, such as communication skills or emotional intelligence. They’re truthful with you even when it stings, but all in the interest of helping you to grow and learn.
Their hindsight is your foresight.
Mentors use their own experience to help accelerate your growth and offer their wisdom freely. They can help you navigate tricky situations that you may encounter. Whatever you’re going through, chances are they’ve been through it themselves or know someone who has.
- Mentors provide sound advice and can save you from costly mistakes. This may be in your approach to delicate salary negotiations, how to succeed in a new role, dealing with difficult people or confronting unethical practices. You can benefit from their experience without the consequences of gaining it firsthand.
The career development experts at PrideStaff Fresno can help you improve your career opportunities – whether it’s finding new ones or advancing the one you’re currently in. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.