Mentoring Magic
Revitalizing Your Career With New Relationships
Tiffany Waddell Tate is a leadership coach & talent development consultant with deep experience helping individuals and companies reimagine the future of work through career & leadership coaching and learning & development initiatives for organizations and teams.
Spring season is a great time to think about giving your career a much-needed refresh. Ever feel like you’re running on a treadmill, going through the motions but not really getting anywhere in your career? When you’re trying to shake things up and gain new insight and new perspective, the best secret weapon is a mentor.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “A mentor? Isn’t that for new professionals?” Quite the contrary. Whether you’re just starting out, eyeing that corner office, or looking to make a pivot to a new industry altogether, a mentor can be one of your career’s best friends. They’re the Yoda to your Luke Skywalker, the Oprah to your Gayle, the powerhouse behind the scenes helping you level up.
Why You Need a Mentor to Renew Your Career Journey
They’re Your Personal Think Tank
A mentor is like having a Google search for life’s tricky career questions, but better. They’ve been there, done that, and have the personal stories to prove it. They can help you shortcut your learning on areas you need to upskill, give you an outsider perspective on career challenges you’re facing, and help you strategize your next move with intention and purpose. These relationships can basically be your personal cheat sheet to career success, as mentors are excellent at helping you spot opportunities for growth and change.
They’re Your Hype Squad
Let’s face it, even when you’re a high achiever – sometimes, knowing what to do in your career can be hard. When you hit a challenge, a mentor is there to remind you of your worth, pick you up, and cheer you on. They also can provide valuable perspective on challenges they faced along the way, which can be really encouraging when you feel the pressure to have it all figured out. With them in your corner, you’re unstoppable.
They’re Your Networking Ninja
Your mentor has been around the block and has the Rolodex to prove it (okay, maybe it’s more of a LinkedIn network these days, but you get the idea). They can open doors you didn’t even know existed and connect you with people who can help push your career forward. It’s like having a VIP pass to the industry’s best and brightest.
They Help You Grow Your Network
Mentors are growth hackers for your contact list. They are people who know people who know people, and they can help you expand your professional circle in ways you never imagined. Pro tip: It’s not just about adding connections; it’s about building meaningful relationships that can lead to new perspectives, new mentors, and even new career opportunities from time to time.
Finding the Right Mentor
So, how do you find this career-changing guru? Look for someone who is either where you want to be professionally, has a skill or set of experiences you admire, and is open to connecting with you for either a brief mentoring chat – or a longer standing relationship over time. It’s important to note that not everyone is best suited to be your mentor, and even those who are may not have the capacity to step into that role. Making an ask and being honest about what you hope to learn in the relationship is key. Remember, building professional relationships is a two-way street; you have plenty to offer, too. Be sure to thank everyone you meet for sharing their time with you, and ask how you can return the favor with regard to their professional goals.
In short, a mentor can be the catalyst for a career renaissance. They’re the secret sauce to your professional development, and the guide to help you navigate an ever-changing career landscape. So go ahead, find your mentor (or two!), and watch as new insights bloom. Your career refresh is waiting.
