Tilda Publishing
Mentorship
How to become an Expert
I compare self-development to learning how to swim. As a novice swimmer, initially, it's all about floating and simple strokes. It feels easy and progress comes quickly. However, staying afloat is vastly different from swimming across the English Channel. One might be bold enough to attempt it alone, but without guidance, it can lead to disaster.
I recall starting strong in a swim class, only to realize mid-way how essential the instructor's guidance was. Similarly, in career planning, the way forward can be murky. Without a mentor, some flounder and abandon their goals, while others manage to swim but can't teach others. A mentor is like a swim coach, guiding you through deeper waters to success.
Experts in their fields possess a unique ability to guide others toward achieving their goals while avoiding common pitfalls. These individuals, known as mentors, not only share their expertise but also help mentees enhance their own skills and expand their knowledge.
I recall starting strong in a swim class, only to realize mid-way how essential the instructor's guidance was. Similarly, in career planning, the way forward can be murky. Without a mentor, some flounder and abandon their goals, while others manage to swim but can't teach others. A mentor is like a swim coach, guiding you through deeper waters to success.
Experts in their fields possess a unique ability to guide others toward achieving their goals while avoiding common pitfalls. These individuals, known as mentors, not only share their expertise but also help mentees enhance their own skills and expand their knowledge.
Who is mentor?
To me, a mentor resembles Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, guiding his young mentee, Luke Skywalker. Obi-Wan wasn't Luke's trainer; he didn't teach him how to hold a lightsaber or assign exercises. Instead, he shared his experiences, mistakes, and wisdom, teaching Luke to think like a true Jedi.
In my view, the most fundamental skill for both mentors and mentees is listening, closely followed by goal-setting. As a mentee, you can't climb a mountain if you don't know where it is. For mentors, understanding the mentee's goal fuels the desire and energy to help. Without a clear goal, the enthusiasm for mentoring can diminish.
Mentorship has been crucial to my self-development. It offers the invaluable opportunity to enrich one's own experience by sharing firsthand knowledge, helping others navigate their journeys and achieve their goals.
In my view, the most fundamental skill for both mentors and mentees is listening, closely followed by goal-setting. As a mentee, you can't climb a mountain if you don't know where it is. For mentors, understanding the mentee's goal fuels the desire and energy to help. Without a clear goal, the enthusiasm for mentoring can diminish.
Mentorship has been crucial to my self-development. It offers the invaluable opportunity to enrich one's own experience by sharing firsthand knowledge, helping others navigate their journeys and achieve their goals.
Is being a mentee affected by imposter syndrome?
I am delighted when I meet colleagues whose companies foster a mentoring culture. They don’t assume that seeking a mentor indicates incompetence. They recognize the value of having a guide when navigating unfamiliar terrain.
However, I see situations where asking for advice is viewed as a weakness. This mindset can lead people to think, "I should figure it out myself; it's my job, and I'm not a wimp." In my opinion, those who ask for help and accept feedback show remarkable courage. Admitting you need help is much harder than boasting about your achievements.
It's crucial to distinguish between a genuine desire to learn and simply wanting to offload a task. To be an effective mentee, you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses accurately. This self-awareness is essential for setting goals to work on with a mentor.
However, I see situations where asking for advice is viewed as a weakness. This mindset can lead people to think, "I should figure it out myself; it's my job, and I'm not a wimp." In my opinion, those who ask for help and accept feedback show remarkable courage. Admitting you need help is much harder than boasting about your achievements.
It's crucial to distinguish between a genuine desire to learn and simply wanting to offload a task. To be an effective mentee, you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses accurately. This self-awareness is essential for setting goals to work on with a mentor.
How to become a mentor?
When professionals are asked, "Why don't you mentor anyone?" a common response is, "I need more experience and deeper expertise in my domain. It's too early for me." I used to think the same way until I reconsidered the question.
In reality, mentors can be just a step or two ahead of their mentees, typically with two to three years of experience. This proximity means mentors have fresh memories of challenges and can offer relevant insights while also learning from the mentee.
Someone will undoubtedly value your experience in solving specific problems. Start by briefly describing what you can share and your goals for mentoring. Remember, this isn't a permanent commitment; as you gain experience, you can refine or change your goals.
In reality, mentors can be just a step or two ahead of their mentees, typically with two to three years of experience. This proximity means mentors have fresh memories of challenges and can offer relevant insights while also learning from the mentee.
Someone will undoubtedly value your experience in solving specific problems. Start by briefly describing what you can share and your goals for mentoring. Remember, this isn't a permanent commitment; as you gain experience, you can refine or change your goals.
The Takeaway: How to Become an Expert
At university, my classmates and I used to joke, "While I was explaining it, I understood it myself.” This phrase perfectly captures the essence of self-development. The skill that truly distinguishes an expert from a practitioner is the ability to explain their experience and advice clearly to someone without prior knowledge in the field. While this skill isn't innate, it can be developed through mentoring and practice.
It's normal to be a mentor to some and a mentee to others. It's as natural as being a swim coach for beginners while seeking guidance from a seasoned coach to master advanced techniques. By helping others improve, you improve yourself.
It's normal to be a mentor to some and a mentee to others. It's as natural as being a swim coach for beginners while seeking guidance from a seasoned coach to master advanced techniques. By helping others improve, you improve yourself.