bumbaclot Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 I've heard from many successful people suggestions to befriend a mentor. E.g. a person that is much older and more successful than me. I was looking for someone like that for a while. Yesterday a roofing contractor came to fix our roof. He is 80+ years old and still runs the business. He's full of energy. Doesn't climb roofs obviosly, but he is the man in charge. I want to approach him with this question, but I am not sure how to put it. I am not sure if I should ask him bluntly whether he wants to be my mentor or not. Maybe it'd creep him out. He is generally a very open guy and likes to talk. I think he wouldn't mind the idea, but I don't want to scare him away on the approach. Can you suggest how should I handle this? Link to post Share on other sites
norajane Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 You don't have to blurt out the mentor question. Something along the lines of, "I admire and respect your skill and experience. I feel that I have so much to learn - would you mind if I asked your advice from time to time?" should do the trick. If you then go to him with questions and he sees you're interested in his thoughts, he'll probably begin to offer information and advice on his own. Link to post Share on other sites
bluechocolate Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 Slowly & quietly from behind after making sure that the wind is blowing in your favour. Link to post Share on other sites
blind_otter Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 I would just start a conversation with him to see if your personalities click. You can't just ask someone to be your mentor since, if their personality doesn't jive with yours, it won't really work out. You talk to them, ask them to lunch or whatever, and over time start to ask them questions about work. I've had other types of mentor relationships where it was clearly indicated from the beginning of the interaction that I wanted a mentor. But those mentor-relationships fizzled out after a few years. The ones that have stuck are people that I am genuinely friends with. Link to post Share on other sites
whattothink Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I know that if I had someone that admired my work, I would be thrilled!!! I would approach this person and say just that! He or she will be nothing but flattered! Link to post Share on other sites
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