Every Man Needs a Career Mentor at Work: The 3 Stages of Finding One

Having a mentor at work can be crucial for a man’s professional development. Learn why every man needs a career mentor in the workplace and how to find the right one with this guide.

You cannot be too big or successful for a mentor. Mark Zuckerberg had Steve Jobs as his mentor. Bill Gates? Warren Buffet! Great leaders not only recognize the rewards of mentoring but also the benefits of having a mentor. And it helps to have a mentor at work. A career mentor can change your future.

Take the story of Alexander the Great of ancient Greece, one of my favorite leadership examples. Many wonder how a man who rose to power at a young age became one of the best leaders in history. His mentor had a hand in his success. 

Aristotle was appointed by Alexander’s father to guide and educate his son on politics, philosophy, and leadership. Aristotle’s philosophy inspired Alexander’s thirst for knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Once Alexander ascended to the throne, he relied heavily on Aristotle’s teachings, which turned him into a great military leader and a visionary striving to unite different cultures in his empire. Alexander even stayed in touch with Aristotle, for his wisdom served him as he battled the challenges of ruling an empire. 

So, if a ruler needs a mentor, you must get on track and find one that can take you to new heights. Explore this blog as I highlight the importance of a career mentor. In addition, I will share suggestions on how to find a mentor at work. 

Push You Out Of Your Comfort Zone

It is easy to get stuck in a comfort zone. But a career mentor can pull you out and push you forward. Some mentors are challengers who ask questions about your comfort zone. They challenge you until you develop the need to leave or demolish it.

Others are cheerleaders. They post your self-esteem and confidence until you are brave enough to push past your boundaries. Similarly, some are coaches that give you the knowledge to overcome your comfort zone.

Pick the one that best works for you, and you will be out of that zone in no time. 

Teach You How To Accept Feedback

One of the most challenging situations you will find yourself in is taking constructive criticism. Nobody likes to be wrong, and learning from it is easier said than done. However, a mentor can help you take feedback, even if it is not the best.

Reacting to negative feedback as an insult or a challenge is normal. Having a mentor is like asking for constant challenges and insults. So, you will have to learn how to accept feedback and grow from it.  

Help You Reduce Stress

Men struggle with work stress, often afraid or ashamed to share with others. This contributes to limited productivity and mental health issues. But a mentor can be your confidant when things get tough. By sharing their experiences, you can be more consistent in sharing your burdens.

The mentor will listen and help you determine exactly what is bothering you. They can even provide support as you determine the best solution. 

Make You Accountable For Your Goals

When my sister was younger, she had trouble saving money. So I asked her to let me keep the money for her. Suddenly, it became much easier for her to put money aside for savings. Why? Because she was accountable to me.

You are supposed to be a self-driven individual. But sometimes, it helps to have someone to whom you can be accountable, especially for personal goals. A mentor can be this person, helping you set goals and stay on track with your ambitions. It will also help you take responsibility for your growth. 

How to Find a Career Mentor at Work

Now that you know you need a career mentor, it is time to find one. Finding a mentor at work can be valuable in developing new skills or climbing the corporate ladder.

Choosing the right mentor is important to ensure that you can meet your career goals and grow. Not all mentors are created equal. So, read on for tips on how to find a mentor at work. 

Identifying 

Determine Your Mentorship Needs

The first step is to determine what you need to learn from your mentor. The best way to do this is to write down your goals. They should be short—and long-term goals for your career.

Then, think about what it would take to achieve our goals. This information can help you find a good career mentor who can assist you in achieving your goals. In addition, it is a great conversation starter for when you eventually reach out. 

Create A List Of People You Admire

Next, consider the people in your career that you most admire. It should be the type of person who started or experienced a role similar to yours and then grew in their career and as a person. It can be someone you admire or want to be like.

Then ask yourself, ‘what do I respect about this person?’ It will give you insight into their attributes, which you can link to those around you. 

Consider Your Network First

Now that you know the type of person you want as your mentor, review our professional network. It’s convenient if your career mentor works in the same company. They have probably faced the same challenges as you and have a better understanding of the system.

Go through professional profiles and reflect on your relationship with them. Find someone with the expertise you desire. 

Expand Your Options

If you don’t find your career mentor at work, it’s okay. You can find your guru elsewhere. Think about joining a professional association in your field to find a mentor.

In addition, don’t shy away from networking events. The mentor you need could be a business card away. You can additionally explore online groups and databases for mentors in your field. 

Asking

Prepare A Pitch

You’ve narrowed it down to one or two people—that’s awesome! So, how do you approach them? You can never go wrong with an elevator pitch. Prepare an elevator pitch that touches on your goals and why you think they are the right mentor for you. It shows your potential career mentor that you are serious and ready to explore your relationship. 

Plan A Meeting

After the pitch, you can ask your potential mentor for a meeting. Asking in person is good, but it’s always a good idea to text or email to have it for reference.

Still, it depends on the type of relationship you have. Ask him to meet you for a beverage or lunch, as it provides a neutral and relaxed place for conversation. Alternatively, you could meet online. 

You can hold several meetings to talk about what you like about the person’s work and ask questions about their achievements and the challenges they have faced.

This ‘small talk’ can help you determine if they are the right career mentor for your needs. 

Communicate Your Mentorship Needs

Once you have determined they are the one, in-depthly communicate your desire for mentorship. Outline your goals, expectations, meeting frequency, how to meet, and all other details. Ensure that you make it clear that your request for mentorship is just that, not an obligation.

Then, give them time to answer. You will have a mentor or someone who now sees you as having potential for future relationships. Win-win!

Mentorship: A Pathway to Success

The world is changing, and it changes fast. Having a career mentor is just another way to ensure that you meet your professional and personal goals. Understanding how a mentor can help you is the first step in accelerating your career development. 

As you find a mentor, consider your needs, look at those in front of you, and expand to a broader network to find the perfect match. So, don’t shy away from mentorship. Let it guide you to a future of growth, success, and fulfillment.