Why choose Executive Mentoring?

Blog by Romeo Effs on 'Why choose executive mentoring' 

“Mentors can be one of the most powerful weapons for an entrepreneur, by providing guidance, wisdom and connections,”

A great mentor is not somebody who is better than you; it’s someone who can help you enhance your performance to levels you never thought possible.

“Every entrepreneur, leader and professional should have a mentor for obtaining the best answers to his or her daily challenges during startup and management.”

Why you need a Mentor?

Companies nowadays put enormous efforts in talent development and retention. Despite their efforts, many find that as their company expand and grow, their employees who are ready to take up new key positions in their respective departments are either insufficient or inefficient. Today companies are turning to Executive Mentoring Programs to develop talent. These programs help to enhance the value of internal employee and provide resources to develop others. This not only saves their time and cost, but also increases overall employee satisfaction.

So what can Mentors do and cannot do:

Mentoring can:

• increase team and individual’s commitment to an organisation and its goals
• allow individuals to gain a greater insight of their abilities and whats possible
• help improve communication & relationship within the organisation and its departments
• help to transform organisational culture for the better
• give individuals the chance to meet different people within the organisation, and to network
• improve levels of professional success by helping individuals and teams focus on high performance.

Mentoring cannot:

• succeed unless clear objectives are agreed in advance
• succeed unless there is an agreed plan of action
• act as a replacement for conventional training.
• physically execute the task required to make the department or organisation succeed

What qualities to look for in a mentor?

It’s very important to find a mentor who is not only supportive but someone who will invest the time and effort in your professional growth, and can guide you in an effective honest way. At times you will need some constructive criticism or a reality check, while other times you need a high five or pat on the back. A well-chosen mentor can provide all of those things.

“Look for mentors who are authentic, empathetic, creative, honest, and with a zest of fun”

Reputable Executive Mentors often offer a complimentary consultation session, so that you can form your own opinion on their suitability and match before committing to a longer term relationship.

Choosing a Mentor can be an intensely personal matter and should be analysed and planned carefully.

Such programs are intended to bring experienced executive mentors and executives together so that they can learn the informal, subtle knowledge that cannot be offered in general organisational trainings.. A Mentoring Program is not a quick fix, ease into it and don’t expect radical changes or overnight success. Any Executive Mentor who offers this should be scrutinised more carefully.

How do you find one?

“Every individual and company is unique, and so are its mentoring needs.”

Successful people are successful for a reason. These are people who have achieved greatness in their professions by using their own unique strategies. Such people tend to make excellent mentors.

So when looking for a mentor, look for the clues of success. Think about what is important to you and ask yourself ; What are the things you want to achieve personally and professionally?.

Start the process by thinking of your career path. Then narrow down a few business leaders who have your dream job or someone who inspires you.

“Successful mentoring relationships happen when the mentor and mentee are the right match”

Reach out to someone you are comfortable with, who can be a neutral sounding board. Try to meet as many experienced professionals as you can, once you’ve identified someone, approach them in an initial meeting like an interview. Really good Executive Mentors are those who have a system, tool kits and techniques to help you to achieve your goals. So be prepared to pay for their service as they may do this as a business.

Prior to meeting your potential mentor have a list prepared explaining: What you hope to learn and gain? How can their expertise help you attain your goal? Why you value their insights and what difference can it bring to you professionally and personally?.

My advice is not to take this phase lightly, because you’re now laying the groundwork for a relationship that may last a longtime.

One of the easiest ways to find a mentor is to attend some local Mentoring programs. e.g. our monthly program Executive Insight Leadership Masterclass (#EILM). Such programs gives you an opportunity to meet and discuss about your career goals and learn through the experiences of different business leaders, the mantra of SUCCESS.

But before you start looking for a perfect Mentor you need to first ask yourself: Are You Really Committed?

For some people, honestly the answer is no. If you really want to excel, you need to start preparing now, as it takes hard work, energy, time, commitment and resources to get to where you want to reach.

You’ll know you’re committed and ready for mentorship when you have that burning desire within you to take the next step in your career or business. You need to keep telling yourself, this is something I really want to do.I am passionate about this and I’m not going to let anything get in my way. You will then become dedicated and motivated to perform at an elevated level.

Remember the higher up the ladder you go, the less people there are to challenge you. The role of you mentor is to test you, stretch you, and pull you till you start thinking in new ways and come out of your comfort zone.

If you’re ready to finally commit to your long-term success, the time is now. Pick up the phone and ask for some referrals or visit our website www.romeoeffs.com. Put it into your personal and professional goals and take action. There’s no one stopping you from achieving what you want.

Go get it!

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