Maximising your potential

“Alex, why are you justifying yourself?”

I was in a meeting with my mentor when she abruptly interrupted me with that question. It put me on the spot and made me feel uncomfortable whilst I tried to explain myself.

However, this is precisely why I find my mentoring relationship so valuable. She picks up on and makes me aware of particular word patterns as I am talking. She continually questions and challenges me. Every interaction gives me a different perspective on my thoughts and actions, gives me food for thought about my future direction, and tangible and specific things to work on before the next interaction. A mentor is an invaluable asset for personal and professional growth.

The benefits of a mentor

A mentor is someone with more experience or knowledge who can guide and advise you on your personal and professional journey. They can offer insight and advice to help you navigate challenges, develop new skills, and achieve your goals.

The benefits of having a mentor are numerous. Mentors can provide you with the following:

• Considerable career and life experience to draw on, which can provide valuable insight and perspective on your personal and professional growth journey.

• Accountability and motivation help you stay focused and on track towards achieving your goals, particularly when you're facing setbacks or obstacles that impede your progress.

• A different perspective and insights can challenge your assumptions and beliefs and ultimately help you grow and develop.

• Opportunities to network and connect with others in your field or industry can lead to new opportunities and collaborations down the line.

• An objective sounding board for your ideas and concerns, and constructive feedback and advice will help you refine your ideas and make more informed decisions.

• Guidance and support as you navigate new challenges and opportunities.

• A boost in confidence as you gain new skills and insights and start to see real progress towards your goals.

• Emotional support, especially during times of uncertainty or self-doubt.

Mentoring can seem important when one is a junior in their career and becomes less important as one becomes more experienced, but this is not the case. I think it is more critical as we become older and more experienced because, at this stage, we receive less feedback daily compared to when we were younger.

Mentoring is also commonly seen as a workplace initiative, with a mentor being someone more senior within your organisation. Still, there is much to be said for having mentors outside your workplace. They can provide a colder and more rational outsider perspective and likely lead to a broader perspective on your career.

Implementation idea

Consider seeking out a mentor.

If you already have one, consider seeking additional mentors who can give you different perspectives or areas of expertise to support your wider development.

To maximise the value of a mentoring relationship, it's crucial to establish clear expectations and goals at the outset of the relationship. Be open and honest about what you hope to gain from the mentorship and what you can offer in return. Regularly scheduled check-ins and progress reviews can ensure that you stay on track and get the most out of the relationship.

Show your mentor that the time they spend with you is worthwhile by ensuring you are proactive in taking action after each session. Finally, remember that a mentoring relationship is a two-way street and that you can and should also offer value to your mentor through sharing your experiences and perspectives.

“My mentor said, ‘Let’s go do it,’ not ‘You go do it.'” – Jim Rohn

Best, Alex Joshi.

On my bedside table:

• Non-fiction: The power of words: How to change your brain (and your life) by talking, by Mariano Sigman (link)

  • (I’m reading the original Spanish version)

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