Need a mentor? 8 simple steps:

Need a mentor?
Who do you know who can help you in any area?
Ask to buy them lunch!

There used to be internships, mentorships, even apprenticeships. Those days are mostly behind us.

You want to get to the next level, but your sensei has not appeared. What can you do?

Find someone more skilled than you in any area where you want to grow.
Maybe they seem to know everyone at work.
Maybe they are brilliant at budgets.
Maybe they run excellent, efficient meetings.

Whatever it is, they have it, and you want it.

How can you get them to help you?
A.S.K.

Ask them:

Joe, I’ve noticed that you seem to always have your budget forecasts done, and your reconciliation is spot on, too.

I’d like to be able to do that. Could I buy you lunch sometime in the next couple of weeks and ask you a few questions about how you do it?

Show up with questions
When the lunch comes, bring a pen and a pad of questions to ask.

Ask:
How do you prepare?
How do you monitor progress?
Who helps you?
What is a secret or trick you use to make it easier?

Your list will be longer, but this should get you started.

Ask for a referral:

Joe, thank you so much for your time. This has been hugely valuable for me, and I appreciate you for your generosity. I really mean that. I see some things that I can use right away. This is great.

As you know, I’m working hard on growing my skills. I’m also looking for help in areas like
Navigating HR
Running better meetings and
Getting better at managing conflict

Who do you know who is really good in those areas? I’d love to have a lunch with them like the one we’re having now. Would you be willing to introduce me?

It’s a lot easier than you think.

1. Know where you’d like to grow.
2. Look for people with those skills.
3. Ask for help.
4. Prepare good questions to ask.
5. Ask questions when you buy lunch.
6. THANK THEM.
7. Ask for a referral to another mentor.
8. Use the tips you got from your mentor to grow your skills.

Don’t forget that when you go to apply the skills, you can go back to the mentor with questions. They will almost always be happy to help you apply what they taught you.

Now – go and GROW!

#LeadYourself