“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” -John Crosby

Oftentimes there is a misconception about leadership that tells us that if we want to lead we have to be willing to do so alone. If this were true, what a lonely road the path to exceptional leadership would be! 

I want you to think of your favorite stories and the heroes that are at the center of them, did they do it entirely alone? No! Some of the most iconic characters of all time are the teachers-the mentors. The best heroes and leaders were once led themselves, and I’d argue that their journeys would not have gone very well were it not for the guidance they were given by those who had a bit more experience than them. 

Maybe you’re fortunate enough to have a parent or family member you can look too for advice. Maybe you’ve been going at it on your own with the help of others along the way. Maybe you think you don’t need any help or don’t see anyone near you, but to believe that you have all the answers is to deprive yourself of the opportunity to learn and grow. There is a quiet and steady strength that comes with the humility that allows us to accept advice from those who may know more than we do. 

That is why mentorship is so important.

A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.

Mentorship is the influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor to a mentee.

Finding someone who has walked the very path you yourself are setting out on is not only an advantage, but a privilege that should be invested in once the opportunity presents itself. When you are able to find a mentor who’s life reflects the values and victories you yourself want to achieve you have found an invaluable resource for not just your career, but your life. 

I talk a lot about the idea of your “Kitchen Cabinet” and the importance of having a core group of individuals you can go to for advice and guidance-and a mentor is a perfect addition to any kitchen cabinet.

A good mentor can lead to increased confidence, leadership skills, and improved emotional health.

The trick then, is to find one.

If you or someone you love are looking to find a mentor, knowing where to look is important. Figure out what it is you want to do and as you aim yourself in that direction, look for people who are a couple years ahead of you on that journey. Start a dialogue with this person and be consistent and thoughtful in your outreach. Form a relationship first and let the rest happen naturally.

If it’s someone you already know personally, it can start as simply asking them to lunch or coffee with the preface being you want to pick their brain. Go in with respect and the desire to learn and listen, and then do just that. Allow yourself to be a student again.

Mentorship is incredible because it allows for the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next. And there’s a cycle to it, because one day you get to repay the blessing through becoming a mentor yourself one day.

Leadership is a matter of connection, not power, and through mentorship we can see each generation lifted up to become exceptional leaders themselves. 

Maybe you’re the one looking for a mentor or maybe this blog made you think of the person who once was your mentor who you want to honor through passing on their kindness. Whatever it is, I hope that you are challenged to create authentic connections as you pursue whichever goal it is you’re chasing. 

Lead Well,