Don’t Just Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor
Improve your shot by requesting their support with clear goals instead
Regardless of your career choice, advice across the board for leveling up is to “find a mentor.” And, it’s with good reason: mentors are crucial to success in every industry. When we are early in our careers, we may naturally think, “I will ask someone to be my mentor.” However, this approach is unlikely to produce your desired results.
If you have ever been rejected by a potential mentor, don’t take it personally. There are several reasons someone may ignore or decline your ask:
- Everyone is busy with work, family, their health, hobbies, or other commitments.
- They may have had negative experiences with mentees in the past (for example, those who no-show).
- There are no clear goals, outcomes, or expectations associated with your request.
The last point is critical, and I’ll spend the majority of this article covering it.
How to ask for someone’s support
Asking someone to be your mentor puts both of you in an impossible situation. People with healthy boundaries engage in relationships that are mutually beneficial, not one-sided. By asking someone to “be my…
