You’ve certainly heard of the concept of having a mentor. So…

What is a leadership mentor?

A leadership mentor is a trusted advisor, coach, personal trainer and supporter, all rolled into one. A mentor builds a relationship of trust and offers inspiration both from experience and area of expertise.

Whether you’re focusing on personal mastery or career growth, working with a leadership mentor gives you a perspective that you don’t have when you’re going it alone. Naturally, in the beginning of the mentor-mentee relationship you will have many questions but remember, your mentor is there to cultivate your leadership mindset and to get you thinking differently. So, don’t be surprised if they have even more questions for you than you have for them.

A leadership mentor helps you enhance your leadership skills and effectiveness with a particular focus on your ability to influence and lead yourself, your people and your business.

Do I need a leadership mentor?

Simply answered, yes. If your professional growth and personal skills are important to you (and clearly they are if you’re reading this article), then you understand that working with someone will get you results faster and better than if you were going it alone. Your leadership mentor offers an alternative perspective to enable you to come up with different solutions and sometimes to identify problems you may not have anticipated.

Everyone benefits from working with a mentor. Some of the highest achieving leaders like Steve Jobs had more than a little help from his own mentor, Bill Campbell.

No matter what stage you’re at in your career, reaching out to your mentor ensures that you receive insight and guidance for navigating complex leadership scenarios. This includes dealing with criticism, which is never easy. However, when it comes from someone you trust and hold in high regard, it’s definitely easier to hear it and then work with it.

But how do you know if you are getting the most out of your work with your mentor?

3 questions to ask your leadership mentor

If you ask the right questions, you can make sure you’re choosing the right mentor for you while building a solid foundation of trust, support and growth.

1. What setbacks have you experienced in your life and career and how did they change you?

To answer this question, your mentor may begin with a story. This is an opportunity for you to listen for their business or leadership strategies and the lessons that came from their setbacks. Even more importantly, it gives you a glimpse of their vulnerability and the way they view mistakes and failures. This question gives insight into your mentor’s leadership mindset and qualities.

2. What is your ultimate goal and what works for you in terms of long-term visioning and strategic planning?

You may want to work with a mentor who has achieved success in your own area of expertise, or you may choose to work with someone who is has a fresh perspective. This question is not about the goal itself but rather about the approach your mentor takes towards goals, achievement and strategy. Ask yourself if you connect to your mentor’s approach. Bill Campbell mentored tech innovators because he was well-versed in the industry. But more importantly he understood and connected with Steve Jobs’ vision of innovation and creativity.

3. If you could do anything differently, what would it be?

This first question was about mindset. This one is about action. Your mentor may not necessarily wish to do anything differently and the value of hindsight is in any case questionable. Yet, this is another question that gives insight into your mentor’s way of thinking and behaviour. Mentors are great at taking a step back and reflecting on past experiences without judgement, for their own learning and growth. After all, that’s what you need them to do for you, right?

These questions give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse at your mentor’s perspective, way of thinking and mindset. As the conversation flows, you may also ask detail-oriented questions. Get a feel for the questions your mentor would ask you so share some of your challenging situations.

Every professional was once a beginner, and that is why leadership mentors are important when you’re working on developing yourself as a leader as you work towards achieving your goals.
Goals and leadership work hand-in-hand if you want to achieve the highest levels of performance. What sets apart an extraordinary leader from a good leader is knowing that you’re on a continual learning journey. Working with a mentor as part of your A-Team sets you on that path a lot quicker.

If you’re looking for a leadership mentor that will help you grow your leadership mindset and achieve your business goals, get in touch with us for leadership coaching & mentoring.