How to Ask for Professional Mentoring
- 1). Ask your manager. Instead of trying to impress your manager with what you know, impress him with what you're willing to learn. Openly suggest that since you admire his knowledge and competence, you would like to learn from him. Ask if you can come to him with questions from time to time. This can disarm a manager and turn him into an ally rather than an adversary.
- 2). Ask a peer. One of your co-workers who has more experience than you can make an excellent mentor. Say that you have a lot to learn and tell your co-worker that you notice she has mastered a lot of the skills you want. Ask if you can occasionally chat with her about how she does things so well. This request will seem very non-threatening and can help you get the expertise you need.
- 3). Ask a member of a trade organization. Meetings and conventions offer numerous opportunities to meet people more experienced than yourself. The potential mentor does not have to live near you. You can ask permission to make periodic phone calls to ask questions about issues that come up in your work day.
- 4). Collaborate on a project with an experienced person. The mentoring will become almost automatic as that person guides you through the project. This can be an opportunity to develop rapport and can lead to ongoing mentoring after the project.