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Looking for a Mentor? Here’s How to Spot a Good One

Lailah Gifty Akita once said, “every great achiever is inspired by a mentor.” Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, and Jeff Bezos’s careers and businesses all required the touch of a mentor to reach greater heights. 

 In one of his interviews, Richard Branson said, “It’s always great to get a helping hand at the beginning. I wouldn’t have succeeded in the airline industry, were it not for Sir Freddie Laker’s mentorship.”

While not everyone finds a mentor in the same mold as Sir Freddie, you can find a trusted advisor to give you the guidance you need to develop leadership and succeed in your career. In this article, we’ll show you how to find a good mentor. 

Importance of a Mentor in Professional Growth

Here are some of the ways mentors influence your professional growth: 

Do I Need A Mentor?

One thing to note is that different people need mentors for different reasons. When is the right time to look for a mentor? 

What are the Traits of a Good Mentor?

A mentor can be anyone — your parent, manager, peer, friend, school alumnus, or boss. However, finding a mentor with the right traits isn’t easy. Some of the characteristics to look at when searching for a mentor include:

How to Foster Mentor-Mentee Relationship

The mentor-mentee connection doesn’t have to be intense or formal. However, knowing what’s expected of you — as a mentor or mentee — makes things easier for both parties.

For the relationship to run smoothly, three things are critical:

 

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