Mentoring | Tips

How to find and keep a mentor involved in your life:

Look for someone who shares your interests — do your research to find out whom it would make sense for you to seek out.

Moreover, figure out how you can be a benefit to your potential mentor. “You need to have reciprocal value,” said Kim Post, vice president at management consulting firm Global Lead LLC.

Be your own best salesperson and have specific goals you’d like the mentor to help you address. You want an older, wiser person to help you down a planned path.

Some organizations set up new employees with mentors, as in Helena Yoon’s case. For others who have to pursue their own guides, be aggressive enough to get someone to meet with you, but don’t stalk, Post said. Suggest lunches and casual meeting dates.

The two individuals must trust each other for a relationship to continue — as well as continue to develop their friendship by keeping in touch. In a successful duo, “If I put my faith in you and give you advice, you’re going to take that advice,” Post said.

Source: Associated Press