Finding a Good Mentor: A Guide to Identifying the Right Match

May 12, 2025 | Barbara Ann Sharon

If you read my previous blog, you’ve gotten yourself psyched to find or to be a mentor.  Finding a good mentor is one of the most important steps you can take for your career and personal development. A good mentor can offer invaluable guidance, helping you make decisions, overcome obstacles, and shape your career path.

But finding the right match can be a challenge. Not all mentors are created equal, and finding someone who aligns with your goals, values, and learning style is key to a successful mentorship.

What Makes a Good Mentor: A good mentor is more than just experienced in their field; they are people who care about helping others succeed. Here are the qualities that I’d suggest looking for:

• Willingness to invest time: Mentoring takes time. A good mentor is willing to commit to regular meetings, offer feedback, and provide support.  It’s hard to get what the other person needs if time is not available. 

• Experience and expertise: A mentor should have sufficient experience in your field and a deep understanding of the challenges you’re facing.  This is interesting as I believe that mentors do not necessarily need to be in the exact responsibility area as the mentee is in.  Sometimes this is important and other times it is equally important to look at things from a different perspective. 

• Empathy: Simply said, a great mentor is someone who takes the time to understand your goals and challenges, listens carefully, and offers advice with your best interests in mind.

• Strong communication skills: A mentor should be able to communicate clearly, offering constructive feedback and guidance in a way that is easy to understand. In other words, how could a mentee get what they need from someone who doesn’t value or doesn’t have good communication skills?

How to Find a Mentor:

• Leverage your network: The best place to start looking for a mentor is your own professional network. Consider your colleagues, industry peers, or even leaders you admire. Don’t hesitate to ask someone you respect if they are willing to mentor you.  One of the first things that you will learn is about the power of asking for what you need.

• Formal mentorship programs: Many organizations and professional associations offer formal mentorship programs that connect mentees with experienced professionals.  Check it out.  If your organization does not have a formal mentorship program this shouldn’t stop you from either starting one or getting yourself a mentor. 

• Online platforms: LinkedIn and other professional networks are great resources to find mentors in your industry. Many people are open to mentoring and offering advice, especially in a virtual setting.  Check it out!

Ok.  So, you’ve found yourself a mentor. Now what? Here are some tips for building the

Mentor-mentee relationship:

• Set clear goals: Ensure both you and your mentor are aligned on what you hope to achieve from the relationship.

• Be open and receptive: A good mentor will offer feedback and suggestions that may challenge you. Stay open to learning, even if the advice seems difficult at first. My hope is that you will look back and be glad that you’ve learned something. 

• Commit to regular communication: Whether it’s weekly or monthly meetings, consistency is key to building a strong relationship with your mentor. Identifying your cadence upfront is important.   I believe that each person doesn’t do anything intentionally, life just happens.  So, be sure that you identify what the plan of action will be if the communication slips and how to get back on track. 

A good mentor can provide the guidance you need to reach your full potential. Finding the right person to guide you is a process, but it’s one worth investing in. With the right mentor, you’ll have a supportive and insightful relationship that can help you navigate your career and personal growth.  If you are unsure, spend some time thinking about the value that a good mentor can provide. Once you have that answer, the next step forward will be easy. 

Need a mentor? Contact Barbara Ann Sharon, Chief Learning Officer at the Training Edge a 610.454.1557 or email basharon@trainingedge.com.