Get past the ask; initiate the mentoring conversation
Recently I was on a panel at a university addressing mentoring, sharing best practices and ways for the students to utilize a mentor to support their career vision and development. What these business students and many others want to know is “How do I find a mentor?” And then, “How do I ask someone to mentor me?”
There are many people out there who would love to be mentored by you. To have a mentor who asks them powerful questions and helps them see things from a new perspective. A mentor, who is interested in supporting the mentee’s development versus just doling out advice. It might be a colleague, a student, a neighbor, or even your boss.
With today being GivingTuesday, a day when we are encouraged to make donations to our favorite charities, I want to encourage mentors to be proactive and offer your mentoring support without always first being asked. Why is this an important request? Because many individuals are afraid to ask for your help and for your time.
When you sense that someone would appreciate a listening ear or an objective perspective, offer to have a conversation. Just a conversation! Not a lifetime commitment as their mentor. Mentoring is just a type of conversation – it doesn’t need a fancy label in order for it to happen. The important distinction about an effective mentoring conversation is that it is purposeful and is about helping the other person learn new approaches, perspectives and insights to reaching their goals.
Mentoring someone is a gift (you get to receive and give!). Take it one step further on GivingTuesday and everyday – don’t wait to be asked. Anticipate the need and generously initiate the mentoring conversation.









