MENTORS

“A mentor is someone who allows you
to see the hope inside yourself.”

—Oprah Winfrey, American media owner, talk show host, actress and producer.

If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in the presence of greatness or have the opportunity to know or work with an individual whose example you would like to follow, recognize the importance of that opportunity and capitalize on it by learning all that you can.

If you want a mentor, understand that
mentors are attracted to people who
have talent and show promise.

So, exhibit talent and show promise.Once you identify someone you would like to have as a mentor, find a way to help that person. Don’t ask or expect them to help you before you have established a firm relationship. If they eventually do help you with anything, it means they see something in you that they like. They may see your promise and potential, or they may see how you could be able to help them in some way.

Show gratitude. Thank them for their time, support and interest. Work tirelessly to impress them. Earn their support and admiration; deserve it but don’t expect it. If it comes, cherish it.

If a prospective mentor doesn’t respond to you, it may mean that you haven’t done enough to impress them or they may need more time to see if you stay the course. It may mean that they saw something or heard something they didn’t like. More likely, it may simply mean that they’re just too busy or not inclined toward mentorship.Whatever the reason, don’t blame the individual you admire for not noticing or embracing you. Don’t assume you deserve it. You may not. You’re certainly not entitled to a mentor.

Mentors are a rare gift that is
occasionally bestowed upon a select few.

If you are fortunate enough to attract one, treasure that person and the incredible opportunity that their guidance represents. Great people all seem to have one thing in common—a reverence for excellence. If you share that reverence and exhibit excellence, you are more likely to attract them.