Handout 45.3 A Plan for Finding a Mentor
Follow these seven steps to locate and select a mentor:
Step 1: Identify what you need. Before you approach any prospects,
determine your professional needs and identify your goals.
Step 2: Review the following common characteristics of mentors.
Then rank their importance to you.
They have a large circle of influence and a broad-based
network.
They are people-oriented.
_____They know how to motivate others.
_____They are effective teachers._____They are secure in their position and profession.
_____They are usually high achievers who set lofty career
goals, continually evaluate these goals, and strive to
reach them.
_____They are able to give the protégé some visibility.
_____They value their profession, their work, and public
service.
_____They respect others.Step 3: Evaluate and select what you are looking for in a mentor: Do you want to work with a male mentor? A woman
mentor?
Do you want to work with a mentor from within your
organization, or from outside it? Do you want to work with a mentor who is in your
profession, or someone who is not?