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To: Tannaz Machhi/JPMCHASE@CHASE
 cc:
 Subject: Mentoring at Work

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 Your Job and Career: Newsletter 39
 November 1, 2002
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Mentoring at Work
In the old days, a business mentor was an older, highly experienced person to whom a younger, inexperienced person looked to for career and business advice. But in today's constantly changing landscape, older people may find themselves wondering how they can enter new fields or plan a retirement far different from their parents'. And younger people may find that they're experts with only a year's experience under their belts.

But while the traditional image of mentor and "mentee" may be turned on its head, one thing has remained the same: a mentor is invaluable to anyone who aspires to success, regardless of the field.

Why mentoring is important
Studying someone who is accomplished, experienced and wise in a field or subject you want to excel in will not just help you reach your career goals but teach you about the world and about yourself. Here are some other reasons why mentors are important:

- A mentor gives you someone to imitate. A mentor has gone before you and can share with you the pitfalls, as well as the joys, of the venture or career path you wish to take, saving you from making common mistakes.

- A mentor is a sounding board. You can ask your mentor questions you might be embarrassed to ask others in your field. You can fly ideas by your mentor without fear of being shot down; instead you'll receive constructive advice.

- A mentor will open up opportunities. Because a mentor knows you and your abilities so well, he or she will take pride in introducing you to others and encourage them to believe in you, too. And because mentoring is a two-way street, your opinion and perspective are valuable to your mentor as well.

How to find a mentor who's right for you

Mentors are all around you. Depending on what you want to learn, they could be in the executive suite, in your local newspaper, or sitting right next to you. You just have to define what you want to know and look for someone who is knowledgeable and experienced, preferably someone you know, respect and would like to emulate. Some ways to find a mentor include:

- Look around. Do you attend meetings of professional or business organizations? Do you belong to a religious organization or social club? Does your town have a Chamber of Commerce? Does your school or college have an active alumni association? Think about your family, your friends and even your customers. Your potential mentor may be among them.

- Consider your goals. Before asking someone to be your mentor, think about what you want to accomplish. Do you have a specific, short-term goal in mind, or a desire a more long-term relationship with a mentor to assist you over the course of your career? Knowing your goals will help find the right mentor and use his or her time wisely.

- Consider personality. Yours and your potential mentor's. A charismatic person might look attractive as a mentor, but a more subdued personality might fit you better. You want a mentor to lead and direct you, but if the person you've targeted is brash and aggressive and you're shy and introverted, the match might prove frustrating for both of you.

- Inside or outside the organization? Some people prefer mentors who work in the same company, such as a supervisor in a different department or even a coworker who does a similar job, so long as they're career-focused and have a long-term vision. Other people prefer someone with those qualities outside their organization but in the same industry, to give them perspective on their job.

Making the most out of a mentoring relationship

Once you find your mentor, you want to get the most out of the relationship without abusing it or running off course.

- Set and observe goals. Agree on your goals and write them down, along with steps you're going to take to meet them and how your mentor will help you accomplish them. You may want to set time limits on short-term goals and revisit long-term ones periodically, adjusting them if necessary.

- Use time wisely. Set up a regular time to meet with your mentor, from once a week to once a month or whatever suits your mutual needs, and put a time limit on your meeting. Be prepared with a topic you want to discuss and stick to the task at hand. If you mentor is a friend or family member, save personal discussions for another time.


- Use technology. Used appropriately, email can enhance your mentoring relationship, especially if your mentor lives at a distance or travels frequently. It best to agree beforehand on what subject should or shouldn't be discussed via email, response time expectations, length and style. Keep in mind that email is not confidential.

- It's a two-way street. Your mentor also wants to benefit from your relationship, whether it's the satisfaction of helping someone else or because he hopes to gain from you professionally. So be sure to listen carefully to advice, respond honestly, give feedback, and honor boundaries and confidentiality.
 

Reading Body Language at Work

Have you ever given a presentation or left a meeting feeliug like you hit
a home run, then found out that you actually bombed? Body language might have clued you into how your manager or co-workers were really receiving your talk. Researchers at Colgate University have established connections between several nonverbal gestures and the kinds of emotions they may be portraying in a business setting. Here's some of what they found:

Gesture: hands folded together with fingertips forming a steeple
Meaning: A decision has been made

Gesture: Rubbing ear between thumb and forefinger
Meaning: Doubt or lack of interest

Gesture: Forefinger at or near mouth
Meaning: Resistance

Gesture: Picking at clothing
Meaning: Disagreement

The next time you're making a presentation or talking to a manager, pay attention to her body language -- but be careful-- the research on body language also suggests that successful business leaders are good at hiding their emotions.
 

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