“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
(Proverbs 15:22)
Do you now have an appreciation for the role of a mentor as you manage your business?
If so, what personal characteristics or qualities are important?
A mentor is not someone who is meant to “put a rubber stamp’ on what you think you should do.
Rather, a mentor is going to:
raise questions for you to wisely think about
help you unlock your God given potential
give you support when you need courage and strength
be a cheerleader for you along the way.
The experiences, #abilities and business approach of a mentor should “match” what you are looking for in a positive business advisory role.
You want to approach someone who has demonstrated successful experiences, fruitful abilities, and a Godly approach to dealing with people, decision making and success. There are many qualities to consider. Some will be major, and some will be minor.
As you consider, ask yourself if a person has demonstrated the following six qualities:
1. Commitment to running a business that is based on Biblical and business principles.
2. Experience in business. It does not necessarily need to be in your specific area. There is a lot to be learned from people in your field but also people outside of your field.
3. Life-long learning. A good mentor will be knowledgeable about current trends and research and not only rely on what has “worked in the past”. They will be able to blend their experience and analysis of “what’s new” to provide an objective opinion.
4. Good listening skills. A good mentor understands that good listening skills leads to fully understanding what you are asking or struggling with and what is important to you.
5. Willingness to invest in others. A good #mentor is happy to help you in your journey and is willing to take the time to guide you patiently and respectfully.
6. Respect to others. A good mentor will follow a “true, kind and necessary rule”. They will insure they are speaking truth to you based on their experience and knowledge, will say it in a kind, respectful way and will be strong and wise enough to know when it is necessary to tell you things which may be hard for you to hear.
Prayerfully consider these six qualities as you consider asking someone to be your mentor. A person who demonstrates these qualities will be a strong advisor as you take steps to business success. And stay tuned next week for the characteristics of a #successful #mentee!
May God richly bless you this week as you demonstrate God