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Attracting a Mentor

Below are some basic strategies suggested by Ensher and Murphy for attracting a mentor. Ensher and Murphy write that the best potential mentors are often asked to be mentors more often than their time or attention can accommodate. Preparation on your part will go along way in attracting the best mentor for your needs.

1. Identify what you want to learn, how you want to develop, where you see yourself going. What you are looking for may be refined during the course of a mentoring relationship, but it is important to have a clear starting point.
    
2. Bring something to the relationship. What special skills, experiences or other things can you offer in return for becoming your mentor?
    
3. Make a good first impression. Impression management is key because first impressions occur almost immediately and can be difficult to change if the first impression is incorrect. Being able to convey that "something special" will be important in attracting a mentor.
    
4. Communicate positively and with commitment. Talk about your challenges and opportunities constructively, without complaining or blaming others. Demonstrate that you are a winner, not a whiner.

From Ensher and Murphy, Power Mentoring

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