How to find and profit from a mentor

Sometimes, it pays to ask for a little help.

While some may view asking for assistance or guidance as a weakness, experts say seeking out a professional mentor is a decision that can pay huge dividends for both parties.

Creating and maintaining those relationships isn’t always easy, but there are several strategies and tips to help individuals find and profit from a mentor.

Bonika Wilson, of Birmingham’s Wilson Capital Management, is one example of an executive who has benefited from having a mentor.

As she noted in a column earlier this year, Wilson said recognizing the need for a mentor is a sign of professional strength.

To develop a successful mentoring relationship, she said there are several steps to take. She said identifying and clarifying the expectations of a mentor is critical. Another key is ensuring that confidentiality will be exercised on both sides of the relationship. She suggests choosing a mentor of a different race, gender and age group.

Wilson said it’s important to focus on someone who is at your manager’s level or above, particularly if they are in the same company.

“As managers think about succession planning, they often lean to whom they know and trust,” she said. “The mentoring relationship is a safe environment to showcase your talents, express your long-term goals and get feedback from someone who can ultimately help you navigate through the company.”

Lois Zachary, president of Leadership Development Services, is the author of three books that focus on mentoring, including, “The Mentor’s Guide: Creating a Mentoring Culture.”

Experts say that mentoring can make a meaningful impact on businesses of all sizes, and it’s an area more businesses are investing in.