Imagine you’re exploring the beautiful islands of the Philippines for the first time. Would you go alone or prefer to have a friend who knows the best routes, understands the local culture, and can guide you to your destination faster?
Sure, discovering new places alone can be exciting and adventurous, but it will take more time and effort.
However, navigating your career path is different.
Having a mentor is like having a knowledgeable friend who helps you reach your goals more efficiently.
A mentor is someone who has been in your shoes, traveled the path you want, and learned from their own experiences.
They’re willing to share their knowledge to help you avoid the same mistakes. This advice and guidance make you more likely to reach your career and personal goals.
Kung may mabuting mentor ka, you can:
Learn from their expertise.
Get feedback on your performance and skills.
Know what it takes to succeed in your field.
Gain the skills and knowledge needed for success.
Expand your network.
Have someone to share ideas and frustrations with.
Benefits of a Great Mentor
A great mentor can make a huge difference in your career.
They can open up new opportunities, help you find alternate routes when doors close, and support you when you make mistakes.
Finding and developing a mentoring relationship takes time and commitment but is worth the effort.
You might think, “Walang mentoring culture sa company namin,” or “Hindi para sa akin ang mentoring.”
But think again. Your organization or community can benefit a lot from mentoring.
Learning from others is encouraged, and people might be more open to the idea than expected.
You may also wonder, “Bakit naman ako ime-mentor ng kahit sino?” Many people find mentoring very fulfilling and satisfying.
Yes, potential mentors are busy and successful people, but the right mentor for you will find the relationship rewarding and mutually beneficial.
How to Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor takes time and effort.
It won’t happen overnight.
Start by thinking about what you want from a mentoring relationship.
Be open to possibilities and opportunities around you.
Sometimes, you’ll need to pursue a relationship without knowing exactly where it might lead.
Maaari kang makahanap ng mentor sa loob ng iyong kumpanya o sa mas malawak na industriya.
O baka ang ideal mentor mo ay isang taong kilala mo nang personal kaysa propesyonal.
Bago ka humingi ng mentor, isipin kung ano ang gusto mong ma-achieve.
Ask Yourself
Am I looking to improve my performance and move up within my current organization?
Do I want to expand into a different career or profession?
Do I want to expand my network?
Am I looking to bounce ideas or get impartial advice?
What Do I Want From a Mentor?
Once you know what you want to achieve, consider what you hope to gain from a mentoring relationship.
Here are some things a mentor might provide:
Expert knowledge in your field.
Someone to share your ideas with.
Motivation to keep pushing yourself.
Help in clarifying your direction.
Skills you need to learn.
Someone who believes in you.
Inspiration to do your best.
Validation that you’re on the right path.
Networking opportunities.
Who Might Mentor Me?
Now, consider potential mentors.
Consider what kind of person your ideal mentor would be and who in your network fits that description.
Brainstorm as many people as possible and list how each person might help you. Compare this list to your ideal and what you want to achieve.
Consider:
Is there a mentoring program in my company or local business organizations?
Who do I admire in my network?
Whose insights inspire me?
Who has a lot of experience I can learn from?
Which leaders do I admire?
Which writers and speakers do I respect?
Who has been significant in my life so far? Teachers, counselors, friends, relatives, professional advisors?
What contacts do I have in other businesses or professional organizations?
How Do I Approach Potential Mentors?
How you approach potential mentors depends on who or what type of mentor you want.
If you’re lucky enough to be part of an organization or community with a mentoring program, start there.
These programs often encourage and reward participation, making it easier to find a mentor.
Kung walang mentoring program sa iyong kumpanya, mag-focus sa pagbuo ng relasyon sa mga taong maaaring makatulong sa iyo.
Networking can help you make contacts outside your existing circle.
Kung kulang ang iyong network ng mga potensyal na mentor, i-consider ang mga mentor services na nagma-match ng mentors at mentees.
Kapag natukoy mo na ang mga potensyal na mentor, bumuo ng magandang relasyon sa kanila.
Ang ibang mentoring relationships ay lumalago nang di-pormal, habang ang iba ay makikinabang mula sa tahasang pag-uusap tungkol sa mentoring.
Sa isang mas pormal na arrangement, linawin kung ano ang nais mong makamit at kung paano makakatulong ang iyong mentor.
What If I Don’t Find a Mentor?
Don't give up if you can’t find a mentor right away.
Keep looking and consider alternatives for immediate needs:
Peer or group mentoring: Ask peers with complementary skills for mutual support. Make sure everyone gives and takes.
Executive coach: An executive coach can offer many benefits of mentoring, but it comes at a price. Make sure to discuss your goals before committing to a program.
Career and life coach: If you seek motivation and direction, career and life coaching can be a good alternative. Choose carefully and discuss expectations.
Consultants or trainers: They can provide specific expertise and skills. Make sure your objectives are clear and resist unnecessary services.
Key Points
Mentoring relationships can form naturally, pero minsan kailangan mong maging proactive.
Stay open to opportunities and possibilities around you.
Habang nakikilala mo ang mas maraming tao, you’ll develop relationships na magdadala sa’yo patungo sa iyong goals.
Kung makahanap ka ng great mentor, cherish the relationship at ipaalam sa mentor mo kung gaano mo pinahahalagahan ang kanilang suporta.
In conclusion, finding the right mentor is a journey of personal and professional growth opportunities.
Embrace the wisdom from each experience at gamitin ito para patuloy na umunlad sa iyong napiling path.
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