Learning from experience.
WHAT A MENTOR PROVIDES
Perspective on decisions Warning about mistakes Context you lack Occasionally, introductions
WHAT THEY DO NOT PROVIDE
A job Answers to everything Ongoing availability without limit
HOW TO FIND ONE
Someone a few steps ahead, whose judgement you respect.
WHY A FEW STEPS RATHER THAN MANY
Their recent experience is more applicable.
HOW TO APPROACH
Ask a specific question, and see whether a relationship develops.
WHY NOT ASK FORMALLY
Requests to be a mentor are frequently declined, while specific questions are usually answered.
WHAT TO BRING TO ANY CONVERSATION
A specific question Context they need What you have already tried
WHY
It respects their time and produces better answers.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Act on the advice, and tell them what happened.
WHY THAT MATTERS
It is what makes people willing to continue.
WHAT TO AVOID
Asking them to solve your problems Contacting only in crisis Asking for introductions early
WHAT TO OFFER
Whatever you can, however small.
WHAT INFORMAL MENTORSHIP LOOKS LIKE
Occasional conversations, over years.
WHAT TO DO AS YOU PROGRESS
Mentor others.
WHY
It consolidates your own understanding, and it is how the practice continues.
