How to find a mentor
Sources (3 videos)
- 1
Making a Lasting Impression in the Digital Age with Lorraine K Lee & Charles Good | TGLP #219
Lorraine K. Lee on The Good Leadership Podcast · YouTubeWatch original - 2
Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor | Sylvia Ann Hewlett | Talks at Google
Sylvia Ann Hewlett on Talks at Google · YouTubeWatch original - 3
How to Learn Better & Create Your Best Future | Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss on Andrew Huberman · YouTubeWatch original
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Summary
When seeking mentorship, be specific about your expectations and goals rather than asking for a formal commitment. Build relationships organically through networking, employee resource groups, professional associations, or community involvement. Rather than relying on a single mentor, having several lets you gather diverse advice, and successful connections are often built by offering value first.
When you are looking for a mentor, Lorraine K. Lee suggests being clear and specific about your expectations, your goals, and what you hope to get out of the relationship, rather than asking someone to officially 'be your mentor', which can feel like a heavy, formal obligation 1. Sylvia Ann Hewlett points out that relying on a single superstar for all your guidance is a common mistake, and that having several mentors gives you a better shot at growth and a wider range of advice; she also notes that approaching people by offering value, or asking how you can help them, tends to start a more genuine, mutually beneficial relationship 2. And Tim Ferriss's angle is to build these relationships organically, through networking, professional associations, employee resource groups, or community involvement, so they grow into real connections over time 3.
Do not ask someone to be your mentor outright. Instead, build genuine relationships and offer value first, so mentorship can emerge through reciprocity and demonstrated impact.