My Mentor Wears an iPod

I’m a big advocate of having mentors. I think that those that can guide you, provide advice and offer an ear when you need it are only beneficial in the professional world. Why is it that we default to those older than us and in higher positions?

Why not turn to your peers or those younger than you?

By no means am I saying that you should turn your back on those more experienced in the field – those are vital to building the type of professional worker you would like to be. But someone young has an almost naive view of the field – and might not be as cynical and have had negative experiences. The optimism is there; the drive to do well is there; and having people as a support system and a foundation can bring your ideas even quicker to fruitation.

Mentoring is a two way street. Both the mentor and mentee should be getting something out of it. If they aren’t, it’s not a right fit. The balance of give and take is imperative when it comes to mentoring.  The younger person or peer might know of a new technology, or be so removed from the situation that they can act as a general public. They also don’t have the attitude that affects more seasoned professionals at times: “Well, this has always worked. Why change it?”

Why? Because change makes you better. Trying new things makes you better. And, yes, learning from mistakes makes you better.

Tomorrow features a guest post from my friend, Arik Hanson, that I think you will enjoy. Stay tuned.