Don’t Limit Yourself To One Mentor, Get Multiple Perspectives

Mentors are a valuable source of guidance that help you move your career forward, but one isn’t enough. Don’t limit yourself to one person’s perspective or experience. Having multiple mentors, or at least people to talk shop with, takes the pressure off and broadens your horizons.

In the video above (skip to 3:03) Marie Forleo explains the benefits of having more than one mentor:

• It relieves pressure on your relationship. You can ask multiple people for advice, so you’re not overwhelming the same person with constant questions.
• It gives you different perspectives to draw on. You want a variety of perspectives because people’s advice may differ based on their own careers and work experience. Having a couple mentors allows you to get a well-rounded view of your options.
• It gets you all the answers you need. No matter how great a mentor someone is, they won’t always have the answers you’re looking for. Being able to ask someone else helps you get an answer even if one mentor doesn’t have the information you’re looking for.

Finding a mentor that’s a good fit can take work, but if you’re building a network and engaging with other people in your field, you’ll have an easier time. Keep in mind that you don’t always have to meet someone in-person for them to be an effective mentor, which is especially helpful for connecting with those who have packed schedules. They may not have time to grab coffee or lunch, but can make time to answer questions through via email or on the phone.

You can also find great mentors by looking at people you consider your peers. They often encounter the same challenges you face

How to Find a Mentor: 6 Steps to Get the Support You Want [Marie Forleo]