Women leaders’ advice on finding mentors

Great women leaders often emphasize on the importance of entrepreneurs having mentors. However, many women face challenges in trying to find one. Carolyn Lawrence, President and CEO of Women of Influence, Inc. quotes great women leaders and their advice on finding effective mentors.

1. Claudia Hepburn, Executive Director, The Next 36

Hepburn emphasizes on the fact that women need to show that they are coachable. If working in the same organization as the concerned people, she suggests that one should be open to feedback and improve themselves accordingly. She adds, “Someone who’s passive and running for the door at 5 pm is not going to find a connection with a mentor.”

2.  Kimberley Mason, Regional President, Atlantic Provinces, RBC Royal Bank

Mason believes establishing trust early is extremely important. She suggests that a woman should try and spend time with them in a non-working environment and try to bond with them.

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3.  Jane Allen, Chief Diversity Officer, Partner, Global Renewable Energy Leader, Deloitte

Allen does not believe in only having a mentor in the traditional sense. She feels one could have multiple people they could turn to at different times. She adds, “I think what’s critical is that you don’t need one magical person or magic bullet. It can be many mentoring moments, as opposed to a person.”

4.Chris Power, Christine Power, President and CEO, Capital District Health Authority

Power advises that a woman should surround herself with fine people along with having mentors as they help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Learning from these people and taking them as role models is just as good as having mentors.

5. Wendy Cukier, Vice President Research and Innovation, and Founder & Director, Diversity Institute, Ryerson University

According to her, one finds best mentors in people who they connect with. She believes that if you find someone, you should reach out to them, if they reciprocate, you should develop the relationship like you would with any other person. She advises women who hate asking for mentors- “the general rule of thumb for finding a mentor seems to be that if you have to ask, it’s probably not right.”

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Forbes

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bonniemarcus/2014/01/06/advice-from-women-leaders-about-finding-a-mentor/