Mentoring is an often neglected. A good mentor is priceless. And innovative people knows this very well. It is a very efficient way of knowledge building. And knowledge replicating.
We might be fast learners. We can also upgrade skills quickly. But there is no substitute for experience. And there is no way you can quickly get that. So the best way is to become mentee and let your mentor enlighten you with his/her experience.
How to choose a Mentor?
First analyze what is that you wish to gain from a mentor. Are you looking for technical directions? Career development? People management skills? etc. Once you know that, then start looking for the best person to approach. If you don’t know such a person personally; use your friend circle to find a suitable mentor. These are the times when you realize the importance of networking.
Once a mentor has acepted you as mentee, decide on how frequency of meetings, goals and progress evaluation process, etc. It is not formal process but its important to keep track. You are not reaching out to some guru for fundas of life.
