Need of the Hour - Good Political Mentors

In my last article we listed the qualities of a new generation leader. But new gen leaders do require mentoring and training. Today’s article focuses on the qualities that make a good mentor.

A mentor is a person who provides you with the tools, guidance, support, and feedback you need to thrive in your career. They’re often someone who’s gone down the same road you’re on currently and is “there to advise you on what they’ve done and what’s worked for them”

As @NaijaFlyingDr. on Twitter said “Mentors will be invaluable to you in your political journey, and journey of life ” . If you're a young or a professional in the government sector or someone hoping for a future in politics of any kind, having a mentor can be a game-changer. Working with a mentor provides many benefits, like advice, access to new networks, and someone to encourage you and foster your ambition. A road map can be a great help to you to find a mentor whose experience and skills will help you reach your goals.

How can I find a mentor?

For some people, their ideal mentor is already someone in their mind. Someone they look upto, someone they know will change the face of the politics in future or even a person who really inspire them. However, even if someone has the perfect mentor in mind, they may not have the time for you when you need them.

Established professionals, especially those serving in political office, have packed schedules and juggle competing commitments. Be prepared to cast a wider net.

Try:

Network : Associate yourself with the ideology and movement you most feel inclined to. Then visit the various events and party / organisation office to get in touch with the people who who are aligned with the ideology

Social Events: If you prefer to talk to people in person, you could also attend more social events. You'll meet different people in many different areas and it will expand your network, even if you don't find the right mentor on the first go.

Team : Don't try to find a good response from any person, No one will be interested in mentoring or guiding you unless you have a good footing in public or the social causes you are interesting in. Find a good team who supports you in your political endeavour. Find your supporters from your close group of friends, family, neighbourhood or the area you are interested in contesting from.

Social Media: With the outreach of social media, especially Facebook & twitter , you'll be able to find prospective mentors that match your interests. Spend time following them and getting to know them, things, events & causes they are active in, before an outright request for mentorship.

Build Your Name / Brand : Build an aura around your name, that the people who get to know you finds you interesting and are willing to support or guide you.

What should I look for in a potential mentor?

Ask yourself these questions to see if someone in your life would be a good mentor. If you say "yes" to most or all of them, chances are they'd be the right fit for you:

• Is it clear they have real experience or relevant expertise or knowledge (or a path you're interested in)?

• Do they seem to have enthusiasm for sharing their expertise?

• Are they good at giving and receiving feedback?

• Do they show respectful attitude towards people?

• Do they have reflective listening and empathy?

• Are they well-liked by people who are around them ?

• Are they mentoring anyone ? or have they mentored anyone in their career ?

Once I identify my mentor, how do I grasp their attention ?

Asking someone to be your mentor can feel a little like taking a friendship from the friend zone to dating. The process requires intention and patience. And the possibility of rejection feels a little scary. Before you ask your prospective mentor to commit to a mentor-mentee relationship, you'll need to put in some work. Building a relationship is essential. Here's what you'll want to keep in mind:

• Starting with your initial outreach, be sure to help your potential mentor understand what you're working toward or what you need support in and why you're turning to them rather than someone else.

• Do your research and get to know as much as you can about your prospective mentor. Therefore, when the time comes to make your ask, you are informed and ready to have a thoughtful and impactful conversation.

• Understand and respect your prospective mentor's availability and priorities. Your mentor has a personal life, job, and responsibilities, so show your respect by not being too demanding of their time.

• You have to be willing to be open, vulnerable, and honest with your prospective mentor about your challenges and weaknesses. Testing the waters with an initial conversation can help you decide whether or not it feels right to keep moving forward.

At the end of the day, before you establish a mentor-mentee relationship, you want to make sure your mentors know you care about them as much as you expect them to care about you.