How to get the most value from Mentorship

As I progress in my career and life in general, I am learning the value of having a mentor and being a mentor. One way that I invest in my success is by having mentors. My mentors come in different types and support me in various aspects of my life. Some of them provide guidance for my professional life while others support me in my business and personal life.

In this blog post, we will explore the definition of mentorship and the top five pieces of advice that I received about mentorship that help me every day.

What is Mentorship?

• Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person
• A mutual relationship with an intentional agenda designed to convey specific content along with life wisdom from one individual to another.
• Mentoring is a relationship between two people with the goal of professional and personal development.

How to have successful Mentorship relationships

#1: Good Mentorship relationships benefit both parties
Initially, when I was identifying my mentors, I felt like I did not have anything to offer them in return. I was worried that I was going to burden them and add no value to them. However, through the years, I have realized that I also give my mentors a lot. For some of them, I provide a different perspective that they may not be thinking about or offer them advice on topics that I am an expert in. Once you start seeing Mentorship as a beneficial relationship for everyone involved, it will reduce your guilt, and you will get the best value.

Further Reading
The Reciprocal Value of Mentorship

#2: You can have multiple Mentors
For the longest time, I thought I could only have one mentor who will provide holistic support. The truth is that no one person can or even needs to give you guidance in all aspects of your life. After doing more research and hearing about the possibility of having multiple mentors, I was very excited. Now, I have many people who I go to for support, depending on the need I have. Another lesson I have learned is that my mentors could also be my peers.

Further Reading
The 7 Essentials To Forming A Board Of Mentors

#3: Be intentional about choosing your Mentors
Especially as I grow in my career, I want to ensure that I have mentors that fit my needs. I think that your goal should be more than just having a mentor for the sake of it, but having mentors that can support you on your growth journey. The concept of interviewing my potential mentors is one that I appreciate now. It gives me the chance to define my need and also the type of people that I am looking for.

Further Reading
25 Questions to Ask a Mentor

#4: Be prepared for your Mentorship sessions
One of the practices that I prioritize is getting prepared before I speak with or contact my mentors. I prepare the updates I want to share as well as the questions that I have for my mentors. Being disciplined has helped me get the most value from the time that I spend with my mentors. This is the same way that I approach everything that means a lot to me. I know that I get the most value from formal mentorship.

Further Reading
Four Types of Questions To Ask Your Mentor

#5: Always keep your Mentor up to date on your progress
In my mentorship relationships, it is important to me to share the progress that I am making, not only areas that I am struggling with. I look forward to sharing the good things that happened after I came to them for advice. This serves two purposes; it helps them see that they are helping me and helps me know that it is a beneficial relationship that I need to continue to have.

Further Reading
How to Build a Great Relationship with a Mentor

Call to Action
Who are your mentors?
What type of new mentors do you need to find?

Final Thoughts

• Mentorship is one of the tools that can help propel you to the next level of success
• Leveraging the vast knowledge that people around you have is very smart
• You can have great mentorship relationships.

Great Resources

• Why women need mid-career mentors
• Why every professional should recruit a personal board of advisers
• 1 Mentor Isn't Enough. You Need to Build a Personal Board of Advisers
• How to Build a Great Relationship with a Mentor
• The problem with the lack of female leaders
• The 5 types of mentors you need in your life
• Ten Tips For A Successful Mentorship ​