The Value of Trusted Mentors

The Need for a Mentor

The work life journey is filled with challenge, joy, disappointment and sometimes emptiness. Just as we celebrate success, we also need to overcome adversity to achieve goals and objectives. People from all walks of life have many questions about the work life journey, but they may not always have the answers. In fact, as you navigate the work life journey, there are times when anxiety, fear and even uncertainty may keep you from moving forward. There are times when you may focus on destinations as opposed to the specific steps or actions necessary to achieve your goals. It is during these times when a trusted mentor is someone who can offer guidance, clarity, and direction.

How Mentors Can Help

Mentors, like coaches, can have a profound impact on your work life journey because they are able to objectively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your interests. Trusted mentors have the ability to praise and offer words of encouragement, while also providing constructive criticism and avoid making adverse judgments about your work life journey. Trusted mentors can assess your personality and abilities. Based on this information, trusted mentors can make practical suggestions to help you in your current job or prepare for the next step in your work life journey. So, ask yourself – who is your mentor? When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your mentor? Just as an athlete seeks guidance from his or her coach, you should consider establishing mentor relationships to periodically assess your personal brand and evolving work life journey. Trusted mentors can help you put your past, your current role, and your future plans or goals into better focus. For this reason, a mentor should be someone you respect and trust. And, a mentor should also be someone you stay in touch with periodically, not just when you need them the most.

Pay It Forward – Mentor Someone

For those of you who have benefited from a wise mentor, I ask you to think about the concept of “pay it forward,” where you become mentor to someone. It’s always better to give and experience the good feeling about helping someone in some way that leads to greater success in his or her professional journey. So, what are you waiting for? Go and mentor someone; trust me, you will be glad you did.