Searching for a new job? How about a mentor?
We all understand that many people have remained in jobs they were unhappy in --- due to the economy. Now, that there are --- some "OPTIONS"...what things should you be considering when contemplating your next career move?
When we are in "INTERVIEW MODE" - we are keenly focused on SELLING ourselves - selling all the incredible SKILLS - TRAITS - QUALITIES + ACCOMPLISHMENTS that will make hiring us --- irresistible!
However, it is important to make sure you are doing some interviewing too!
If you truly intend to spend 9, 10, 11 hours/day - with these people --- you better make damn sure of a few things about those who you will work with/for:
1- These are people you see yourself enjoying being around...they are people that you genuinely LIKE
2- They seem HAPPY - in general...and more specifically with "the group" or "the company"
3- You have things in common (that's a lot of time to spend - just exchanging pleasantries)
4- They have strengths that compliment your own
5- There is a COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT & not an "every man for himself" attitude
6- Some TRACK RECORD --- hopefully, there are people on your prospective team - that have been there for a while...and can share WHY
7- MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT... IS THERE SOMEONE WHO YOU WILL REPORT INTO - WHO'S EXPERIENCE/SKILL YOU ADMIRE...AND WHO YOU FEEL WILL TAKE AN INTEREST IN CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH?
Whenever I see or read an interview with a LEADER OF INDUSTRY...or anyone of noted success -- they inevitably reflect on the one or two people who were their MENTORS. It seems that the vast majority of ACHIEVERS --- readily give credit for at least a portion of their success - to someone else.
The important thing to see is what these people describe as attributes of their MENTORS...so that you can recognize a potential MENTOR in your midst.
Mentors are people who embody many/if not all of the following characteristics:
1- They are "EXPERTS" in their field who enjoy the respect of many
2- They are generous with their time and knowledge
3- They seem to notice some quality in YOU that reminds them of THEMSELVES
4- They treat EVERYONE - regardless of their rank, education or socio-economic profile - with the same measure of respect
5- They share stories of DEFEATS and challenges encountered - along the way to achieving success
6- They express a GENUINE CONCERN FOR YOUR BEST INTERESTS - without expectations of how it will serve them
7- They take tremendous pride in the quality of their work - regardless of the task
8- They take credit ONLY for work they themselves have done
9- They see "THEIR WORD" as being as important as any contract
10- By leading by example - they consistently raise the level of performance of those they come in contact with
Needless to say; it is nearly impossible to determine whether someone is a potential MENTOR --- in an interview. However, if you understand what makes someone a mentor - you can pay closer attention --- and more easily identify them!
BTW- Searching for a MENTOR should not be impacted on where you are in your career! The moment that you close yourself to benefiting from the knowledge/guidance of others...is the moment you stop growing!
Even CEOs have MENTORS!
So...in closing ---- while you are hard at work selling yourself to a prospective employer --- DON'T FORGET TO SEEK OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A MENTOR!
"IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT MUCH TO ME - TO MEAN THAT MUCH TO YOU"
(I'm lying) - NEIL YOUNG
When we are in "INTERVIEW MODE" - we are keenly focused on SELLING ourselves - selling all the incredible SKILLS - TRAITS - QUALITIES + ACCOMPLISHMENTS that will make hiring us --- irresistible!
However, it is important to make sure you are doing some interviewing too!
If you truly intend to spend 9, 10, 11 hours/day - with these people --- you better make damn sure of a few things about those who you will work with/for:
1- These are people you see yourself enjoying being around...they are people that you genuinely LIKE
2- They seem HAPPY - in general...and more specifically with "the group" or "the company"
3- You have things in common (that's a lot of time to spend - just exchanging pleasantries)
4- They have strengths that compliment your own
5- There is a COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT & not an "every man for himself" attitude
6- Some TRACK RECORD --- hopefully, there are people on your prospective team - that have been there for a while...and can share WHY
7- MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT... IS THERE SOMEONE WHO YOU WILL REPORT INTO - WHO'S EXPERIENCE/SKILL YOU ADMIRE...AND WHO YOU FEEL WILL TAKE AN INTEREST IN CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH?
Whenever I see or read an interview with a LEADER OF INDUSTRY...or anyone of noted success -- they inevitably reflect on the one or two people who were their MENTORS. It seems that the vast majority of ACHIEVERS --- readily give credit for at least a portion of their success - to someone else.
The important thing to see is what these people describe as attributes of their MENTORS...so that you can recognize a potential MENTOR in your midst.
Mentors are people who embody many/if not all of the following characteristics:
1- They are "EXPERTS" in their field who enjoy the respect of many
2- They are generous with their time and knowledge
3- They seem to notice some quality in YOU that reminds them of THEMSELVES
4- They treat EVERYONE - regardless of their rank, education or socio-economic profile - with the same measure of respect
5- They share stories of DEFEATS and challenges encountered - along the way to achieving success
6- They express a GENUINE CONCERN FOR YOUR BEST INTERESTS - without expectations of how it will serve them
7- They take tremendous pride in the quality of their work - regardless of the task
8- They take credit ONLY for work they themselves have done
9- They see "THEIR WORD" as being as important as any contract
10- By leading by example - they consistently raise the level of performance of those they come in contact with
Needless to say; it is nearly impossible to determine whether someone is a potential MENTOR --- in an interview. However, if you understand what makes someone a mentor - you can pay closer attention --- and more easily identify them!
BTW- Searching for a MENTOR should not be impacted on where you are in your career! The moment that you close yourself to benefiting from the knowledge/guidance of others...is the moment you stop growing!
Even CEOs have MENTORS!
So...in closing ---- while you are hard at work selling yourself to a prospective employer --- DON'T FORGET TO SEEK OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A MENTOR!
"IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT MUCH TO ME - TO MEAN THAT MUCH TO YOU"
(I'm lying) - NEIL YOUNG
