Hi! Welcome to Mentorship Monday! My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better-Steve Jobs
Without mentoring, there would be no Apple computers, and many of our great leaders wouldn't be where they are today. Sometimes the best way to advance in your career is to learn from someone who knows-a mentor. In order to sustain the mentoring relationship, it's important to take the initiative and ask your mentor specific questions. You can expect a certain level of support and advice, but he or she can't solve your problems for you.
It's important to recognize that your mentor probably has a very demanding schedule and he or she has agreed to take on the added responsibility of mentoring. Prior to meeting with your mentor, here are 5 conversations to get the maximum benefit from your working relationship. They are as follows:
1) What are realistic career goals? Where do I see myself in 5 years? What are the best steps I might take to accomplish those goals? Take some reflective time to think through these questions and prioritize your answers. Think about where your talents are best utilized. Look at several possibilities. Here are some suggestions...how can you establish the resources and freedom to make things happen? What are your biggest challenges? How can you create variety in your work? Share what you discovered with your mentor during your next meeting.
2) What do I need to learn in order to take the next step in my career path? Observe what other successful real estate agents are doing that you want to do. Make a list of their behaviors and activities. Do a personal analysis of your current skill sets. Identify learning opportunities. Be prepared to ask your mentor how you can overcome any obstacles.
3) What kind of mentoring do I need? Be clear with your mentor about what you want to learn. Reflect on your own learning style. Reflect on how quickly you want to learn and incorporate your new skills. Share your insights and expectations with your mentor.
4) Am I fully committed and ready for mentoring? Think about your prior mentoring experiences--what worked and what didn't--and ask yourself...how can I contribute to the success of the mentorship relationship? Look yourself in the mirror and honestly consider if you have the time, willingness and commitment to develop and maintain the relationship. Ask yourself--am I willing to be open and honest with myself and my mentor? Can I participate without adversely affecting my other life responsibilities? What work/life balance considerations do I need to communicate?
5) How do I get started? The initial conversation is what sets the tone of the mentorship relationship. Share your purpose, your goals, your objectives and your intentions. Consider what you are willing to contribute to the relationship. Realize that a mentorship relationship should be a win-win. Identify the characteristics you are looking for in your mentor. Make sure your mentor has the knowledge and expertise, desire, willingness and time for you.
These 5 conversations can help you take an introspective look at your current skill sets and take the right action steps to be successful. Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can-Ralph Waldo Emerson
We are your trusted source of real estate best practices and support. If you are looking for a community of agents that helps build you up, sits with you on hard days, celebrates with you on good days, and provides you with ways to give back, Shaffer Realty is here for you. Contact me today to schedule a confidential interview. See you soon! Warmly, Susan