What to Look for in a Leadership Mentor

Choosing the right leadership mentor is more challenging than you might think.

Your first instinct might be to gravitate to people you know or get along with in the workplace. These colleagues are great to bounce ideas off. However, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be the best leadership mentor for you.

When choosing one, there are specific qualities and attributes to look for. You also want to know more about them personally and the journey they've been on.

So before you lock yourself in with a mentor, ensure they meet these criteria.

What Is Their Current Position?

Start by reviewing the job title of your potential leadership mentor. Ideally, they should be in the role you want one day. You could seek out a professional leadership coach. But it can be better to have a person who works in the same company as you.

How Long Have They Been a Leader?

A good question to ask a potential mentor is how long they've been in a leadership position. They might still be learning or figuring things out. In this instance, it won't benefit you, as their advice or guidance might change as they get more familiar with the role. They also may get more out of mentoring you than you do them.

This isn't to say you can't work together. You might be better off bouncing ideas off each other and trying to overcome obstacles together. However, this won't make them a good leadership mentor.

Have They Been a Leadership Mentor Before?

It's good to understand if the person you're interested in has been a leadership mentor before. They should know what is involved and expected of them.

For starters, it's not their role to coach or develop you. You want your leadership mentor to provide guidance and focus. They should broaden your perspective and give you different ways to approach scenarios. You won't get all the answers from them, but you'll discuss potential solutions that you'll come up with.

What Obstacles Have They Overcome?

No one's leadership journey has been easy. It's very rare for someone to have instant success, and if they have, they've encountered adversity on the other side. You want to know how your potential mentor has learned from it.

During your discovery conversation, ask them about their leadership journey. They might only tell you about their achievements and job history. But dive deeper and discover what they overcame to get where they are today. You should ask them about their biggest challenges and the hardest decisions they've had to make as a leader.

What Is Their Leadership Approach?

Another question to ask during your initial discussions is about their leadership style. Do they alter it according to the people they manage, or do they expect their direct reports to adapt to them? You want to see if their approach gels with yours or, better yet, complements your philosophy.

You don't want someone who is the complete opposite. You already have the leadership foundations. It's why you're in this role. You want someone who will help build upon your current knowledge and take you to the next level.

Take Your Time Finding the Right Leadership Mentor

There isn't a deadline for finding a leadership mentor. Take your time and ask all the necessary questions to get the right person. These relationships often last years. So you want to be sure you start a relationship with someone who will be there for you in the long term.

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