If you don’t already know, it is very important to have mentors in your life. Why go through this journey on your own, when there are so many people out there who have achieved the goals you hope to achieve. Mentors provide you the guidance you need to reach your goals more efficiently and with a little less stress. They are individuals that encourage and push you towards the right direction and more importantly provide you with lessons you can grow from.
Though there is no limit to the number of mentors you can have in your life, below are 3 types of mentors I believe everyone needs:
1. Career Mentor
A career mentor is someone who’s willing to share their professional expertise, knowledge and even network to help your professional growth. They are the individuals you turn to when you need help making difficult career decisions, setting long and short-term professional goals, and resolving difficult work conflicts. Not only do they provide advice and support but they also challenge you. And, they make you think of different perspectives before making any career decision. These individuals are usually far ahead of you in your academic or professional career, thus having the experience that you can learn from.
“It looks like a good position but if you make this decision note that this is how it will affect your career.” That’s one of the many pieces of advice I’ve been given by my career mentor. Career mentors guide you on the right path while helping you evaluate the options you have and the things you deserve.
In some cases, your career mentor can be your manager. For those that have this type of mentor, you should take caution. Always ensure you draw a clear line of separation between your personal career and the companies needs. Having a boss as a mentor can be tricky if you don’t know how to distinguish between advice that is given from the standpoint of a mentor to a mentee versus a manager to an employee.
2. Peer Mentor
This individual can be a friend, family member, or associate of the same age group. A peer mentor is often seen as more approachable with the ability and willingness to communicate with the mentee. According to research mentees often feel more willing to open up about concerns and issues possibly due to the similarities in age. This is a good thing because these mentors don’t necessarily need a formal meeting to discuss. They are usually a phone call or a text away.
Peer mentors have often been referred to as the cheerleaders in your life. They are one of the first people you want to share that new promotion with. The person that checks in to see how that new job is going. This mentor can often be seen as a friend.
Don’t be mistaken, all your friends don’t classify as peer mentors. A peer mentor has to be someone who brings you up. They are individuals with improved reasoning skills. A positive role model that can be used as a resource for personal development.
3. Life Mentor
This mentor is someone on the outside of your work environment that provides you with unbiased advice about life decisions. Things like changing jobs, having a family, moving and etc. Their purpose is getting you through this journey called life.
Some of the most difficult obstacles we face in our professional journey have nothing to do with our profession. It is usually a struggle trying to integrate your professional life with your personal life. When is the right time to get married? Have a baby? Should I take maternity/paternity leave? These are difficult questions that Google may not be able to answer for you. Life mentors are the perfect individuals help guide you towards making the right decisions.
In conclusion, having a mentor has been linked to higher compensation, job satisfaction, and career growth. Don’t miss out on the many benefits these mentors provide and identify your mentors today. It’s not just about having mentors but it’s also about making use of them. Make sure you contact your mentors at least once a month. If you plan on getting ahead in your career get good mentors and make use of them.
Now check out our articles that show how success was achieved as a result of having a mentor. Her story explained how she was able to become a surgeon due to the mentors in her life.
