The Advantages of Having a Mentor

Mentors offer invaluable benefits for two key reasons:

First, they are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in their field. Their insider knowledge allows them to direct you toward the most impactful learning opportunities and often grants you access to other experts and exclusive resources.

Second, mentors serve as vital sources of encouragement. The bond between a mentor and mentee fosters trust and support. When challenges arise, mentors help you push your boundaries, and during setbacks, they provide the reassurance needed to bounce back. This support is crucial for enduring rigorous training.

Finding Your Ideal Mentor

The question remains: how do you find a mentor?

As experts, mentors are often in high demand and typically have busy schedules. Convincing them of your potential can be a challenge.

One effective approach is to secure a position in a company known for its talented workforce. This can be tricky.

Firstly, identify organizations that uphold high hiring standards. Research the qualifications necessary for employment and the educational prerequisites.

Secondly, you must successfully navigate the hiring process. High standards mean competition is fierce, so you need to present yourself as a unique candidate.

For example, I leveraged my strong background in project management to secure my role as a lead software developer. I highlighted relevant management literature I had studied and the certifications I had earned, which impressed the CEO of a small startup. Following a technical interview, I was offered the job.

Now, I benefit from working alongside exceptional software engineers who have provided insightful feedback and mentorship in areas where I was less experienced.

Starting with Literature

If you wish to seek a mentor outside your current field, consider beginning with books. Quality literature is a cost-effective and time-efficient method to gain knowledge in a new area.

Notably, experts invest countless hours crafting compelling content, making books dense with valuable information.

Steven Kotler’s book, “The Art of Impossible,” suggests that you should read at least five noteworthy books on your desired subject. Start with a best-seller to ignite your interest, then gradually tackle more complex texts, ultimately reaching works that discuss the future of the field.

Identifying Opportunities

Once you have gained some foundational knowledge and practical experience, it’s time to seek out experts for additional insights. Stay alert for opportunities, as many paths to connect with knowledgeable individuals exist.

Having blogged since 2007, I initially believed contacting authors would be impossible. However, I learned that many are accessible through social media or their websites. For instance, I once communicated with Derek Sivers, a renowned entrepreneur, who has a substantial following.

Building Connections

To cultivate a close relationship with an expert, focus on “emerging stars”—those who produce remarkable work but are not yet widely recognized.

Such individuals often seek enthusiastic participants to beta-test their courses or books. Participating in initial cohorts of training programs can provide privileged access to these experts.

For example, I reached out to Lindsay McGregor and Neel Doshi, authors of “Primed to Perform.” They appreciated my enthusiasm and invited me to beta-test their upcoming management application.

Expert Hubs

Sometimes, specific locations serve as hubs for expertise in certain fields. For instance, Detroit was known for its talented black musicians in the 60s and 70s, while Bristol became synonymous with Trip Hop artists in the 90s.

Relocating to a center of expertise can provide significant advantages. Meeting experts face-to-face fosters stronger relationships, which can lead to informal mentorship that facilitates deeper learning. Shane Snow’s book “Smartcuts” underscores the idea that informal mentorship often yields the most significant benefits.

Co-Mentorship

An intriguing form of mentorship is co-mentorship, where participants mutually benefit from each other's knowledge and skills.

One approach is to pair with someone who shares your interests but has different strengths. For example, if you’re adept at digital marketing but lack technical skills in website development, teaming up with a tech-savvy individual can be beneficial.

I have a neighbor with whom I’ve formed a valuable partnership. I hired him to teach me how to cook delicious Mauritian dishes, while I share my knowledge of psychology and productivity, drawing from my background as a productivity blogger. Our complementary personalities also enhance this relationship—he brings energy and optimism, while I offer a calming presence.