7 Good Reasons Why You Need Mentors

That’s right, I did say “Mentors”. You see most people wait around to find the one amazing, extremely wise, successful guru who knows it all, to be their mentor. If this is who you believe to be your ideal mentor, then good luck as you will be waiting for a very long time – you may even miss the boat and you certainly will miss being aware of those mentors right in front of you.

I however, encourage you to stop waiting for this elusive person and one long-term relationship, but rather embrace all the lessons you gain from the many mentors who are all around us.

My own experiences of mentorship, have made me understand the multitude of people who are mentors and don't know it. Sometimes all it takes is a five-minute conversation with someone or a speaker who ignites some knew insight, your accountant, a friend who gives you their honest opinion, a TV program or any number of mentoring situations that you already have been exposed to and haven’t even realized.

This new entrepreneurial endeavor of mine has required me to seek out many people to help me, guide me and none of these amazing mentors fit into the "elusive guru" mentor category. Many of my encounters have lasted only a short while, but long enough for me to learn and develop new skills that are ultimately helping me to grow, develop and reach my goals.

One day I will tell you all about them, but for now I want you to understand these 7 good reasons why you need mentors.

1. Mentoring benefits career development

• 96% of Fortune 500 company executives credit mentoring as an important developmental tool. Source: Macrothink Institute
• 75% say that mentoring has played a key role in their career success.  Source: Macrothink Institute
• Employees who received mentoring were promoted FIVE times more often than people who didn't have mentors. Source: Sun Microsystems
• 95% of mentoring participants said the experience motivated them to do their very best. Source: TMGI

2. It helps with skill development and insight

If you really think about how you develop skills, you will come to understand that this is mostly achieved through practical learning. Theory provides you with some knowledge however, understanding that knowledge, involves practice. For some, trial and error is an option, for others the insight gained through the vicarious learning through others who have experienced firsthand what you are experiencing is the way to go. Having access to mentors prevents you from having to go through the same trials and tribulations. Sure, in some instances we may need to experience a situation through our own trial and error process, but personally, I like to avoid making unnecessary mistakes wherever possible.

Insights gained through mentorship are personal and relevant. A single piece of sound advice can be the catalyst that changes your life forever. It can be extremely beneficial to your career, profession and /or business. I do however, believe that the way you interpret and how you apply what you learn from all situations is completely up to you.

3. Mentors inspire others

Mentors give off an air of confidence, even if it is only related to one particular area. They have managed to master something that they now feel confident in showing someone else. They may even talk with passion, especially if they love what they do. This inspires others, encourages them and motivates them to succeed. The level of inspiration may depend on the mentor’s level of success, but as there are always people who know more than you, there will always be mentors to inspire others. You too may mentor others without even realizing it.

4. Mentoring Leads to Accountability 

This is a great skill to acquire. Mentorship makes you accountable to someone else and can be beneficial to both parties. It is a trait of good leadership. Having someone to answer to, encourages you to follow through. A good example of this is having a personal trainer. If you do not show up, you would be letting your trainer down. Now depending on your trainer, he or she may put some pressure on you to see that you are held accountable. If done well, you will be encouraged to not miss training, to make it happen, which ultimately benefits you. This is what you want to achieve, because it will promote motivation and success. Not all managers have this skill, but many successful people do.

5. Reverse mentoring is mutually beneficial 

I do not believe that anyone is more important than someone else. A friend of mine said something that might help you understand this. We were having lunch together and as we were talking, he expressed how amazed he was at my determination and resilience. He recognized my traits and my skills as something special. He also went on to credit another, for his computer skills, something he lacked and admired. We certainly did not recognize our own skills in the same way that he had expressed them, nor did we recognize how valuable our knowledge had been for him. We however, saw him as the go to person on other matters and felt that he was awesome. We admire his knowledge and capabilities. I believe we can all learn from each other, and whilst some may have less to learn than others,, there will always be something to gain from one another.

6. Mentors provide networks 

An introduction from the right person can make all the difference. You have heard the saying many times “It’s not what you know, but rather who you know”.

Mentors can open doors for you, give you an opportunity to prove yourself. LinkedIn is the first step to getting connected, but mentoring provides a stronger basis for connections. I am not keen to introduce people without having some kind of connection with the person. We do not necessarily have to have a long-term relationship before I make an introduction, but I need to understand that this person may be a good fit. That means I do have to know something about each of the parties. Introductions in this way form stronger connections as there is some level of trust.

7. Collaboration and sharing leads to success

A win-win situation is what you are looking for. Mentorship can create these win-win outcomes however, both parties need to want to give for the right reasons. If it seems you have nothing to give in return, you can offer to promote the person on social media, mention them to others in your own networks or ask them how you can return the favour. The way to succeed is by giving because you want to and not because you have to. People can sense when the giving is genuine. Think about the kind of person you want as a mentor and immolate this to others.

Related articles: How Mentoring Leads to Accountability, 10 Benefits to Being a Mentor