The Importance Of Having A Good Mentor
Monday, July 27, 2020
AD - This post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own
Everyone needs guidance at some point in their lives. Whether you need help to overcome a challenge or you're just looking for some advice, you will always be turning to mentors. Mentors are key players in your life, and there is no shame in asking for guidance from them. There are lots of different types of mentor and ways they will help you. Here is why you need a good mentor to turn to in your time of need!
What Is A Mentor?
A mentor is someone who you trust to give you advice based on their experience. Mentors typically help and train others in skills they have learnt through years of learning themselves. A mentor could be a friend, teacher or even a therapist. There are lots of different types of mentors which you could confide in should you need advice. Here are some of the most common types of mentor that you may come across:
- A Peer Mentor - Typically a coworker who you confide in, while at work or school. They're usually at the same level you're at
- A Reverse Mentor - This mentor is lower in the workplace "hierarchy" than you, but offer their knowledge. They give you new perspectives and ideas.
- A Career Mentor - Whether you're unsure of what you want to do or are going into a career, this mentor will help you with jobs using their own experiences
- A Practical Mentor - Someone who helps you with problems or issues. It could be a parent or a teacher, but they help you overcome obstacles
- An Emotional Mentor - These are typically therapists or consultants. They help you with your feelings and understanding yourself
Importance Of Having A Good Mentor
You Get Emotional Support & Wellbeing Advice
It's important that you choose a mentor that will be able to cope with your mentality. As someone who suffers from mental health issues, I know first hand that it can be hard to find people who are patient with me. You need to ensure that your mentor can show empathy, especially in times you're struggling. Mentors who test your limits are great, but they need to know boundaries. It's good to have a mentor that can deal with any issues, but also offer you support for when you're having off days.
You Can Learn New Skills
Mentors are typically older than you and have different experiences to the people you typically talk to. They are great people to learn new skills from. Whether you're learning negotiation, communication or productivity skills, they are all essential abilities that you can carry with you through life. It is important to have a mentor that will teach you new skills because you never know when that talent will come in handy.
You Can Get Essential Career Advice
As I mentioned before, you can get a career mentor. They will give you life-changing advice on where you should take your career, tips for the workplace and how to get more out of your job. You must learn these things, especially if you aren't sure of the career you want to go into. Career mentors are important as they will help you to decide where your future will take you. They can guide you with their own experiences. I have been speaking to an amazing nanny mentor called Nanny Sharz, who has done a lot of work in breaking stereotypes and empowering nannies! If you'd like to pick her brain around children, parenting and lifegoals, you can book a 20-minute session with her!
It Can Boost Your Confidence
Mentors are great leaders and can bring out the best in you. It's important to have a mentor that knows your limits, but knows how to push you in the right way. If you have the guidance you need, you'll be encouraged to take on challenges which you may not have been comfortable with before. Mentors also encourage us when we feel like giving up. It's amazing what you can achieve when someone has faith in you!
You Learn How To Set Boundaries
If you have a mentor, you'll learn all sorts of skills and lessons. One of the most important ones they can teach you is how to set your own boundaries. It's easy to be pushed into things, or say no to every opportunity. A mentor is important as they can direct you and help you decide where your boundary should be. Mentors are there to guide you, and it can help you to realise things about yourself that you didn't know before.
You Can Build New Friendships
Mentors are great guides which often leads to friendships. Some mentors also work in groups, so you can meet people in the same position as you. It's a good idea to have a group mentor because then you're learning with others and have people to talk to if you're struggling. These friendships can be beneficial as everyone has their own stories and experiences. People also have connections, which may help you out in the future! Be kind and genuine when you're embracing your mentorship. You never know where it may take you!
You Can Learn From Their Mistakes
A good mentor will teach you about their experiences and share what went wrong. You can learn from these mistakes and avoid the costs that they had to pay. Although you will make your own mistakes along the way, you'll be able to avoid some. Mistakes are a great way of learning, enabling you to try something different so you can succeed. Your mentor must be willing to share their wisdom with you. It will save you a lot of time, money and resources.
It's really important to have a good mentor. There are so many different ones out there, you just need to find the one that works for you. Having a mentor is very beneficial, and you can learn a lot from them. Nanny Sharz works really hard for her clients and provides even more benefits than those I've mentioned. If you're looking for a nanny mentor, she's the one for you! Do you have a mentor? Let me know what opportunities your mentor has bought for you in the comments!
If you'd like to find out more about Nanny Sharz, you can find her on social media! She is an international career nanny, parent coach, sleep consultant and potty training specialist. Nanny Sharz aims to fill the gap in society by challenging social norms and stereotypes on what a professional Nanny looks and act like.
YOUTUBE- https://www.youtube.com/c/NannySharz
FACEBOOK-https://fb.me/NannySharzOfficial
35 comments
Hi Em. Interesting post. I must admit, I started reading this post thinking along the lines of "I don't really have a mentor - I'm the one that does all of the mentoring." And then ... a reverse mentor! I've never come across that term before but it makes perfect sense. Just because somebody is less qualified, or less experienced, doesn't mean that they can't offer valuable insights. Well said.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you reaslised! It may not be obvious but everyone has some form of mentor. They help us through life and tend to be someone you naturally go to. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I’ve never had or been a mentor but when I started my current job I was stuck away from my team, I felt completely out of it and struggled to learn the job.
ReplyDeleteI later moved in to the same office and honestly it changed everything, I was happier and very quickly learnt the job. Having that support kept me in a job I’d been seriously considering leaving up to that point.
So I can see that having a mentor would be so beneficial in all areas of work and life x
It's strange to be in a new environment, but finding a mentor is really helpful! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I’ve never had a mentor, everything I learnt till today was through experience and basically knowing what is right from wrong. Regardless, having a mentor can help you through all walks of life. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI'd disagree - I think everyone has a mentor. Whether it's an instructor or a parent. You always have mentors! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
This was really interesting! I definitely think I'm a reverse mentor.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to know! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
Mentors is something I have never really thought about; but it's a really interesting topic to get into! I would say I am a mix of a peer and reverse mentor - it's great to have people you can turn to for advice, but also be comfortable to offer tips or suggestions to others too!
ReplyDeletePaige // Paige Eades
It's great that you know what you'd identify as! I think it's great that no matter where you go, there will always be someone teaching you! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
This is a great post! Thank you for sharing! I've never thought of this before but now this seems really helpful and important!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
This is so important! Over the course of my study and now career I’ve had several mentors and they’ve helped me a lot, not only in my skills but also in my personal growth and confidence! Great post!
ReplyDeleteMentors are everywhere! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I've never thought about it before but having a mentor does seem like such a good help in life. Helping you guide yourself to where you want to be. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteA mentor is everywhere, even if you don't realise! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I have recently been promoted at work, and my line manager has allocated me a mentor to help me along the way. It's great having someone I can turn to when I'm unsure on aspects of my new role, helping to guide me in the right direction! I really enjoyed reading this post, it offered some great insights into the different types of mentor!
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, well done on your promotion! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
A really interesting read, I think we all need a mentor no matter what stage we are at in life, I really could have done with one in my first job completely put in at the deep end! Loved this post thank you!
ReplyDeleteSarah
Very helpful post. I truly believe that mentors are very important. I had a mentor when I started investing in property, who I'm still in contact with. Best decision ever.
ReplyDeleteThat's really good! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
Great post! Being a mentee and being a mentor both are beneficial. It increases confidence and motivational factors among peers and also in academic sessions. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
Thanks for sharing , I had a peer mentor when in my first 2 years of university on how to write essays and ways to deal with the pressures of being a student with a learning disability, it proved really useful, I wish I had kept it up, I'm still friends on Facebook with my mentor all these years later :)
ReplyDeleteNic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes
I think peer mentors are super helpful, especially in school. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
Love this! I've never heard of the term 'reverse mentor' but it makes sense! There's so much we can learn from anyone as long as we take the time to do so. x
ReplyDeleteIt's a strange one but I get it! Thank you for taking to time to read and comment! What's your blog, I can't seem to find it :)
DeleteEm x
This is a great post. I think you can forget the importance of learning from others, and how it can better yourself and them. It is something we have in healthcare, especially when you are a student learning the role. I think it can be hard to ask for help, but having someone who you can confide in and have a sort of friendship with, really helps lessen the asking for help part.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Learning from others is a way of life. Whether you're reading a textbook or being told in person, you're learning! Thank you for taking to time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I was talking to my cousin a few days ago about feeling like I need a mentor. One of my friends is a entrepreneur and she's had a few mentors from our church who are entrepreneurs. I've never heard of a reverse mentor before, but I think that's a really good idea!
ReplyDeleteIt's one you need to get your head around a bit! Thank you for taking to time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I need a mentor! I could definitely help someone learn from my mistakes as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking to time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x
I've always read about the importance of having a mentor but never really committed to looking for one. This whole time I didn't even realize I actually have as I work with peer mentors in my community I just labeled as digital acquaintances. I greatly appreciate this post!
ReplyDeleteI think it's hard to see that most people are actually mentors! Thank you for taking to time to read and comment!
DeleteEm x