Want to Give Your Career a Burst of Energy? Get a Mentor!

Throughout our careers, we often come across challenges in the workplace - both technical and political - that are tough to deal with. Could be a personality conflict. Could be a struggle to deal with internal political dynamics. Could be confusion or lack of clarity about how to move forward in our careers. The possiblities are endless.

What we often forget is that is not necessary to go it alone. Each and every one of us can benefit from having a mentor - somebody more experienced than you, who possesses wisdom that only experience can provide, and who is willing to provide you with guidance and helpful advice in return for the opportunity to strengthen his or her own leadership skills.

A mentoring relationship can be formal or informal. It is important, however, that your mentor be on a similar career path, have goals congruent to yours, and have time the he/she is willing to invest in the relationship. You also want to choose someone with a track record of success and a strong position in your organization.

It is not generally recommended that your direct supervisor be your primary mentor; it is difficult to give impartial advice to someone in whose success you have a direct vested interest.

So, looking for a power boost to your workplace success and career progression?! Get a mentor!