Mentorship Qualities That Matter

Mentorship can mean more to our professional success than anything else we will encounter in our careers. 76% of people think mentors are important, but only 37% have one. Based on this stat, many of us should probably be working to find a mentor. As you look to find yourself a mentor, keep in mind the qualities that go into a positive mentor-mentee relationship.

Putting Mentorship into Perspective

People can have different ideas for mentorship. For me, a mentor is both a guide and a cheerleader. A mentor is a guide by helping you draw out the roadmap that is your career and life. One day they provide perspective to your biggest questions. Another day they give invaluable advice. Or alternatively, they open new doors with important introductions.

Additionally, they are cheerleaders along your journey. They understand what makes you unique, and they are vital in helping you grow to your greatest potential. They know your weaknesses and how to lift you up when facing challenges.

Qualities of a Good Mentor

To understand the role a mentor plays, we need to know what to look for when finding a mentor. What qualities allow a mentor to be a positive force in our lives and how do they fit into our career goals?

Check it out: Behavioral Health Suite

Honesty

This might seem obvious, but mentors aren’t always here to tell us what we want to hear. Growth involves strong reflection and, sometimes, some tough love. The last thing you need from a mentor is a yes man/woman. Sometimes a mentor’s perspective can be tough, but better than learning it the hard way in the real world. Mentors’ value comes in their ability to leverage their experience to provide a perspective valuable to us in meeting our goals. A mentorship relationship without honesty is doomed from the start.

RESOURCES: Ebooks | Virtual Workplace Checklist | Webinars | Podcasts

Boundaries

A good mentor knows when to be present and when to make way for their mentee. For example, making a valuable professional introduction but not dominating the initial conversation. A mentor’s primary goal is to provide a perspective on the evolving goals of our mentees. The mentee does not exist in the image, instead, the mentor serves as an invaluable asset to the mentee in meeting their goals. Boundaries involve practicing listening, empathy, and selflessness.

A lifelong mentorship relationship will traverse many life and career pivots. Boundaries are what allow mentors and mentees to remain positive influences in each other’s lives over years and even decades.

Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a byproduct of a mentor who listens and gives more. It's not uncommon for mentors to assume the needs of their mentees and overenthusiastically hijack the relationship. This is all done with the best intentions, but it can be detrimental to the relationship.

Vulnerability indicates a level of deeper understanding between mentors and mentees and a genuine investment in the relationship. It means the mentee has been empowered to share their most ambitious goals and deepest fears. It also likely means the mentor is comfortable sharing their worst shortcomings to convey an important point.

Do You Need a Mentor?

What has a mentor meant to your career? What tools, advice, or guidance from your mentor have helped shape your life? How did you go about finding and choosing a mentor? How did you keep your mentor/mentee relationship strong over the years?

Whether you are looking for a mentor or have had a mentor for several decades, let us know in the comments! Your experience is bound to help someone in need of a mentor in their personal and professional lives!