APU Careers Careers & Learning

A Mentor Is the Secret Weapon of the Workplace Knowledge Seeker

mentor at workBy Dr. Latanya Hughes
Assistant Professor,
School of Business at American Public University

The following is an excerpt from my book, PILLARS for Christian Mentoring.

Most people are experts in things that come natural to them. They have discovered their purpose and are pursuing it. Many of them have elected to share their expertise with others in the hopes of continuing their passion and drive for the respective discipline. On the other side of this equation is the knowledge seeker. This person is striving towards greatness in the same discipline but lacks the guidance or knowledge on how to navigate through it.

These individuals are the ones who need mentors, preferably those with strong leadership skills. While some experts in particular fields of study are good at what they do, they may lack the leadership skills to guide someone else. For this reason, it is important for the protégé (the knowledge seeker) to have a firm grasp of whom they are and what they hope to achieve in order to connect properly with a mentor.

What are some characteristics to look for in a mentor? First, the protégé begins by identifying what their needs are. In addressing their needs, the protégé will need to examine themselves. This self-examination includes gaining a better understanding of who the protégé is (what makes them, them) and what the protégé values.

“The difference between followers and leaders is that followers need leaders to help them follow what leaders themselves are following. This relationship takes the form of a shared response-ability to a shared calling. Both find each other in a true fellowship to create the world responsibly.” ~ James Maroosis

In order to form this shared response-ability to a shared calling that Maroosis speaks of, the protégé (or follower as Maroosis says) must have a clear understanding of what their specific needs are. What do you need to work on to grow into the leader you desire to become? Do you have a problem with procrastination? Are you disorganized? Are you pessimistic? Do you lack vision? Maybe it is something altogether different. Perhaps you are detail-oriented, focused, and able to make on-the-spot decisions, but you lack innovation and creativity. It may be you have difficulty networking and meeting people. You may even have a problem with rejection. Whatever it is, as the protégé, you have to identify it.

[Related: Be a Mentor, Find a Mentor]

Another thing to keep in mind when looking for a mentor and determining your needs is gaining a full understanding of your personal learning style. There are four basic learning styles. These styles include:

  • Auditory Learner – learns by listening and verbalizing; prefers to have information explained rather than reading the information themselves
  • Kinesthetic Learner – learns by using all of their senses; uses “hands-on” approach to problem-solving; uses trial and error; slow decision-maker
  • Read-Write Learner – prefers information to be written
  • Visual Learner – learns by seeing and visualizing

Finally, protégés must be clear on what their personal values are. Again, the protégé begins by writing a list of words they feel define them. The protégé should think about situations and experiences they have had. How did they approach them? The protégé should think about feedback they have received from employers, co-workers, friends, and even relatives. What are some key words that repeatedly come to mind when they describe the protégé? Next, the protégé should think of how they want to be defined. For instance, the protégé may value honesty and integrity but want to add excellence as a core value. Make this clear in the list. I recommend dividing the list into two parts. The first part defines the protégé’s current core values and the second part defines the protégé’s desired core values. The same words may be on both lists.

[Related: Grow with a Mentor]

About the Author: Dr. Latanya Hughes is a full-time faculty member at American Public University. She received a bachelor’s degree (Hospitality Management) from Tuskegee University and a master’s degree (MBA) from Strayer University. She received the Doctor of Strategic Leadership in Global Consulting from Regent University in the School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship.

 

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