Reasons Why It Is Important To Have A Mentor

Mentors are a terrific resource for any young careerist. Whether it’s your adviser from college or a professional in your field, a mentor is highly beneficial because they can open many doors during your job search. 

Behind every corporate logo is a culture filled with personalities, politics, and procedures. How do you navigate this new landscape, excel at your job, and advance your career? Find a mentor. 

Here are 10 more reasons why mentors are important to your career: 

10. Perspective and Experience. 

A mentor can give you the benefit of his or her perspective and experience. He or she can help you assimilate to a new position and give you an insider’s view on how to get things done. 

9. Think Outside the Box. 

A mentor can help you look at situations in new ways. He or she can ask hard questions and help you solve problems. 

“Often in looking at a situation in a different perspective, we challenge deeply embedded limiting beliefs. When the mentee struggles to believe in themselves, in their ability to overcome a challenge, the mentor is able to ask those tough questions that trigger a necessary change in thinking.” 

8. Define and Reach Long-Term Goals. 

A mentor can help you define your career path and ensure that you don’t lose focus and continue down that road even when you become distracted by day-to-day pressures. 

“Mentees need to own their career plan and learn to balance the day-to- day with the big picture. You always have to look at where you’re going and how you are trying to develop yourself. Set smart, realistic, future- oriented, stretch goals.” 

7. Accountability. 

When you know you are meeting with your mentor, you ensure that all the tasks you discussed in your last meeting are completed. 

“A mentor brings accountability and this breeds responsibility. I’ve found that within a very short period of time, my mentees fall into the habit of holding themselves accountable for completing their action items. They learn from me, as their mentor, and then the excitement of completing tasks and seeing the results motivates them even more to hold themselves accountable and strive for achievements they previously thought were impossible.” 

6. Trusted Colleague to Discuss Issues. 

A mentor can be a great sounding board for all issues – whether you are having difficulty with your immediate supervisor, an ethical dilemma, or need advice on how to tackle a new project or ask for a raise. “Don’t be afraid to put confidentiality safeguards in place. Mentors share their stories and experiences and expect to keep it within the boundaries of the relationship. Be sure you maintain confidences.” 

5. Champion and ally. 

A mentor who knows you well can be a strong champion of your positive attributes and an ally during any bumpy spots in your career. 

“As a mentee, it is important to build trust and prove yourself worthy. Mentors should encourage mentees to share their story and share themselves. It’s hard to champion someone if you don’t know who they are. You bring who you are to what you do.” 

4. Expand your contacts and network. 

A mentor can help expand your network of contacts and business acquaintances. 

3. Open Doors. A mentor can open doors within your company, in other companies, or onto a board. 

2. Inspire. 

A mentor whose work you admire can be a strong inspiration. 

“Your mentor must be a respected member of the community and the business world. You will be associated with the reputation of this person. Don’t pick purely on the basis of power.” 

1. Work better. 

With the help of a good mentor, you can work more efficiently with a clearer view of the future you are trying to achieve. This helps you feel more confident in your job, which leads to better job performance and more success along your chosen road.