The Mentor Checklist: 11 Must-Have Qualities

Research has shown over and over that people involved with a quality mentor do better in their careers – and personal lives – than those who go it alone, and that applies to everyone from school-age children to top business executives. Bottom line: purposefully seeking out advice and knowledge from others is one of the characteristics of successful people.

The presence or absence of mentoring can also affect the successfulness of a business. A report from the Harvard Business Review recently revealed “that the lack of training opportunities and mentorship schemes in the workplace are the two biggest reasons why young workers leave.” On the flip-side, the report also shows “companies that provide mentoring opportunities are better equipped, and proven to deal more positively with talent acquisition, periods of intense, disruptive high growth, change management, C-suite succession planning, and board director development.”

Characteristics of a Quality Mentor
There is so much to be gained from having a mentor, but to truly reap the benefits you have to have an effective relationship, which requires a quality mentor. According to Forbes, “the traditional definition of a mentor is someone who is typically older and more experienced in your field of work,” but that doesn’t always have to be the case. “Mentors can also be peers or even people younger and/or less professionally senior than you who possess a skill or capability uniquely suited to help address specific problems.”

However, there are some other characteristics that mentors, no matter the situations, should possess. Here are 11 must-have qualities that you need to make sure are checked off on your mentor checklist:

1. Admirable

2. Committed

3. Transparent

4. Communicator

5. Honest

6. Successful

7. Trustworthy

8. Humble

9. Listener

10. Forward Thinking

11. Heart of a Teacher

Quality mentoring is a bit of a lost art, so finding a good mentor can be tricky and you must be wise in choosing your mentor. If you’re looking for a mentor to help you grow, take the time to find the right person. It’s completely worth it when you consider the positive impact being mentored can have on your personal and professional lives.

What other qualities do you believe are essential in a mentor? How has being mentored positively impacted your life? Share your thoughts below.

One Response to The Mentor Checklist: 11 Must-Have Qualities

  1. thoughtz September 22, 2014 at 7:01 pm #

    I find a mentor needs to be really patient and committed to the growth of that individual.

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