The right mentor can be critical in helping you maximize your potential. No matter what we may tell ourselves, we simply can’t do it entirely on our own. We need someone who’s been tested, someone who’s seen a good deal of what life has to offer, and someone who can challenge us in the confluence of inspiration and accountability.
Most all of us have bosses. Today’s thought is: how do we turn a boss into a mentor?
What is a boss? A boss is someone above you on the organizational chart, someone who has the authority to tell you what to do. There are good ones and bad ones, and there are ones in between. They are the boss because that is the role that has been assigned to them.
What is a mentor? A mentor is a person that, from a position of authority, is able to lead and inspire you. They coach you to greater heights by creating opportunities for you to learn and grow. They are concerned with the organization’s outcome, for sure. But they are especially interested in you. They genuinely care and want what’s best for you!
10 Things that will inspire your boss to become your mentor!
- Chase and approach your leader with new and improved ideas. Do not have them chase you. This will frustrate them.
- Be respectful of their time by being clear and concise.
- Read the same trade journals, magazines, newspapers, and books that they are currently reading. This will help you understand how they are thinking.
- Ask for feedback. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Some questions to ask: “Am I a drainer or energizer? How am I doing? What else can I do that I am not currently doing for you? What frustrates you about me?"
- As sensitive issues arise, make sure you do a great job communicating with them. Don't let your leader be blindsided (Football analogy: DE-CLEATED).
- Know their hot buttons and cold buttons. Know “THE LOOK!" Understand and interpret their body language.
- Understand what responsibilities about their job keeps them awake at night and discern how you can minimize them.
- Make sure you are adding energy and value to their day-to-day grind. Be an energizer, not a drainer!
- Ask for permission for your solution to a problem to be implemented. Other times, ask for forgiveness after your solution gets results (be careful!)
- The bottom line: Get results and document them.
Do these ten things on a consistent basis and you will gain a mentor. You will be adding value to your company, getting results, and your probability of making more money increases.
Give your leader passion, focus, a trusting and confidential relationship, the ability to win through adversity, and honesty on a day-to-day basis. Be intentional and consistent and growth will take place and your boss will become your mentor.
Let’s Grow!
Keep sending the success stories. Winning Edge’s warriors are making plays!
