Become an Uncle Joe

On a flight back from LA I was reading an article about a person who felt very supported by his Uncle Joe. He did not find this support in other relationships in his life and found Uncle Joe to be someone who was honest, supportive and yet let him know when he was off base. Do you have an Uncle Joe or better yet are you an Uncle Joe to someone else? What I am talking about here is a mentoring.

A mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser or an experienced person in a company, or college who trains and counsels new employees or students. Whether new to a company or position, it is helpful to have someone with whom you can trust to help you find your way. Even within the same company, different departments in an organization can function differently and a mentor can be an invaluable asset. The mentor can share their knowledge and experiences as well as provides guidance and advice. A good mentor helps the individual to learn to make their own decisions by providing insight into the company culture.

Another value a mentor can bring to you is to provide introductions to people in the organization and provide exposure within the organization. When a mentee makes a poor choice, the mentor can be there to support them and help them build a bridge back to the affected individual. They can also help the person to understand the expectations and how to make a good impression in the organization.

Finding a mentor:

Forbes magazine suggests:

1. Ask yourself what you want in a mentor or sponsor
2. Look outside the office, the mentor could be a recent retiree
3. Practice your “Why Me” speech.
4. Steer clear of the formal request – start with the relationship first
5. Show them how to help.. nurture the relationship
6. Do something for them -Show your gratitude. Make the relationship reciprocal by serving as a source of information and support for your mentor in some way.
7. Listen! 

Be a mentor: In order to become a mentor determine what you are willing to do. It may start out initially with a relationship and grow into a mentorship. Determine how much time you are willing to commit and look for opportunities to help. Make sure the person is willing to take on a mentor and avoid just giving unsolicited advice. Good mentors are willing to take time to get to know their mentees, and find ways to help the person excel. Mentoring, either as a mentee or a mentor can give you benefits that will last a lifetime.