Do you have a mentor? Do you even know what a mentor is? A mentor is somebody that you can turn to for advice. A mentor is different than a friend, even though they might be a friend. Friends will tell you what they would do; A mentor is someone who can tell you what they did. If you don't have a mentor, I will give you some steps on picking one or more.
First thing, generally a mentor is somebody you see as a senior. This is a person who you trust and can confide into. This person has been around the block and has been successful in their field. They are a person that you strive to be like. Make sure when choosing a mentor, that you can open up to them. Otherwise what is the point.
Second, make sure it is somebody that is willing to help. The worst thing you can do it pick a mentor and then they never respond to your calls or texts. I am not saying that this is a person who you will talk to daily or even weekly. This person is just somebody who will be there when you need them.
Lastly, you don't have to have just one. You can have as many that you think are helpful. I would suggest keep it at no more than three. Somebody who has been there, somebody who is where you want to be, and somebody who can offer a different perspective altogether. If this is the same person, great. But chances are this will take at least two people to get this.
What if somebody is asking you to be their mentor? Well chances are, they aren't just coming forward and asking you to be their mentor. You are just going to slide into this role as they ask questions. The best advice you can give them is honest advice. Don't sugar coat things if you are in this role. While at the same time, don't just crush this person's spirit. They are coming to you because they legitimately need help. So do your best that you can. If they are bouncing an idea off of you, let them know if you think it is good or will suck. But you can't just leave it at that, you need to explain your reasoning for your opinion. This is why they are coming to you; To figure out a problem or just need advice.
Having a mentor is a great tool in your growth. Never underestimate the power of having the knowledge of an elder at your disposal. Also, never underestimate what you can learn while being a mentor. There is something to be said about ideas coming from someone who "doesn't know better yet". Right now I am a mentor for about 3 people, and it feels good knowing that you are helping. If you would like to get some good experience with mentoring, sign up for your local "Big Brothers, Big Sisters" program. You have a lot of good advice to give these kids, and they will listen. Just remember that what you tell your Telemachus, they will follow that advice; They trust you.
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