How can you find a mentor in the training industry?

It's always important to recognize that you may want to pursue finding mentors for different purposes. Are you looking for someone who has experience in the industry that you are in, in an industry that you aspire to be or someone who has lived experiences in a broad array of settings that affirms your desire to grow.

Finding a mentor in the training industry involves networking, seeking out experienced professionals at industry events, conferences, or through online platforms like LinkedIn. Look for individuals whose expertise aligns with your goals, and reach out with a personalized message expressing your admiration and seeking guidance. Additionally, consider joining professional associations or mentorship programs specific to training and development. Remember, building a strong rapport with potential mentors is key; offer value and show genuine interest in learning from their experiences. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."

Here's your roadmap: 1. Network: Ask colleagues, alumni, or connect with training pros on LinkedIn. 2. Join the Crew: Training industry associations (ATD, ISPI) offer mentorship opportunities and events. 3. Go Digital: Explore mentorship platforms like Mentored or Lunchclub (ensure a training focus). 4. Know Your Why: Define your career goals before seeking a mentor. 5. Research & Reach Out: Research potential mentors' expertise and send a clear message explaining your interest. 6. Be a Giver: Consider how you can add value to the mentorship relationship.

Identify your goals and needs: Clarify what you hope to gain from having a mentor in the training industry. Are you looking for advice on specific training methodologies, career progression, networking opportunities, or industry insights? Having a clear understanding of your goals and needs will help you find a mentor who can provide the right guidance and support.

Antes de procurar um mentor no setor de treinamento, é crucial identificar seus objetivos específicos. Pense em quais são seus objetivos de aprendizado, desafios e interesses. Determine que tipo de mentor você está procurando: alguém com uma formação, estilo ou nicho semelhante ou diferente do seu? Prefere um mentor local ou remoto? Prefere um relacionamento mais formal ou informal? Ter uma visão clara de seus objetivos ajudará a restringir sua busca e a comunicar suas expectativas aos potenciais mentores. Isso facilitará a identificação de alguém que possa oferecer orientação valiosa e apoio em sua jornada profissional no setor de treinamento.

Network within the industry: Attend conferences, seminars, and industry events related to training and development. Engage in conversations with professionals in the field, both online and in-person. Join professional associations or groups focused on training and development to connect with like-minded individuals. Networking activities provide opportunities to meet potential mentors and establish relationships.

Explore sua rede de contatos para encontrar um mentor no setor de treinamento. Pergunte a colegas, gerentes, clientes ou use mídias sociais como LinkedIn para fazer conexões. Isso pode ajudar a encontrar alguém que compartilhe seus interesses e objetivos de desenvolvimento.

Consider reaching out to individuals you already know like colleagues, managers, clients, instructors, peers, or alumni. Ask if they can recommend someone who aligns with your mentorship criteria or facilitate an introduction. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to connect with trainers who share your interests or expertise and begin establishing relationships with them.

Junte-se a associações profissionais relacionadas à indústria da formação, como ATD, ISPI ou SHRM. Essas associações frequentemente oferecem programas de mentoria e eventos que conectam mentores e mentorados. Participe de conferências, workshops, webinars e fóruns on-line para fazer contatos com instrutores dispostos a orientar ou encaminhar você para um mentor adequado.

Joining professional associations or organizations related to the field can help you join mentoring programs or events that match mentors and mentees based on their profiles and preferences. One great example is Women on top (WOT)Attend their conferences, workshops, webinars, or online forums to network with other trainers who might be willing to mentor you or refer you to someone who can.

Ao identificar potenciais mentores, aborde-os educada e profissionalmente por e-mail ou mensagem. Explique quem você é, o que faz e por que está interessado neles como mentor. Expresse o que espera ganhar com a mentoria e peça feedback ou conselhos sobre um projeto específico. Mostre seu apreço e interesse em seus insights para estabelecer relacionamento e confiança, demonstrando seu valor e potencial como mentorado.

Send a polite and professional email or message explaining who you are, your interests, and why you are interested in them as a mentor. Point out your mutual interests and explain why you seek guidance especially from them.

Após encontrar um mentor disposto a orientá-lo, estabeleça expectativas e limites claros para o relacionamento de mentoria. Discuta e concorde sobre a frequência e duração dos encontros, modo de comunicação, tópicos a serem abordados, tipo de apoio necessário, feedback a ser fornecido, e como lidar com conflitos ou desafios. Respeite o tempo, privacidade e experiência do seu mentor, cumprindo seus compromissos e ações. Isso garantirá um relacionamento de mentoria eficaz e produtivo para ambos.

Communicate openly about your goals, preferred communication methods, frequency of interactions, and the duration of the mentorship. Establish boundaries regarding confidentiality, respect for each other's time, and the scope of the mentorship. Regularly revisit and adjust these expectations as needed to ensure a productive and mutually beneficial relationship.

A definição das expectativas de metas/resultados precisa ser muito bem estabelecida, pois o não cumprimento/atingimento de tais parâmetros pode vir a frustrar o aluno e, com isto, desmotivá-lo à continuidade no treinamento. As metas devem ser estabelecidas sempre em conformidade com o nível de condicionamento do aluno.

Remember that you don't need to have just one mentor. I like the "board of directors" analogy of people who can assist you with different areas where you'd like to grow. Think of a specific ask for their guidance and let that ask help you decide the time needed. Someone who is an expert in Zoom might be good to find prior to designing a facilitating a Zoom training and could provide great feedback after the event. The ask to this person might have a fairly limited scope. Another person might be leading training in a particular industry that you want to enter and you may want to schedule regular meetings over a longer time period as you move from the exploration stage into actually working in that industry and gaining expertise.

Maintain and nurture the mentoring relationship: Once you find a mentor, it's crucial to invest time and effort in building a strong relationship. Be an active and engaged mentee by seeking advice, sharing progress or challenges, and being receptive to feedback. Show gratitude for their guidance and consider ways you can give back to the mentor, such as sharing your own expertise or assisting them in relevant projects. Remember, finding a mentor is a process, and it may take time to connect with the right person who aligns with your goals and values. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in your search, and be open to learning from different perspectives within the training industry.