Nine Steps For Building A Great Relationship With A Mentor

Today’s best managers know the nine steps for developing a great relationship with a mentor: 1) set clear learning goals for yourself, 2) determine what performance obstacles you have to achieving your goals, 3) identify what knowledge, skills, abilities, and other things that you believe you will need to be successful, 4) seek out the most skilled and successful people in your field, 5) join organizations where successful people are members, 6) continually study and learn about your industry and field, 7) meet with potential mentors and express your interest in working with them, 8) keep your mentor informed of your progress, and 9) meet with your mentor monthly for continued help.

Source: Tracy, B. 2008. Value of mentors: Be open to their influence. Leadership Excellence, 25/1, p. 4.