8 Ways to Energize Your Career Dreams

Re how to approach a potential mentor, you might start off by asking if you can spend some time with them. Let them know that they have knowledge and insights you think would be valuable as you progress in your career, and that you would like to ask them some questions. In general, people are pleased to be seen in that light and, if they have time, they're more than happy to help.

That's a nice "mentor lite" opportunity. It gives you a way to engage with them, and gives them a chance to experience who you are, what you're looking for, how "together" you are, etc. Assuming it goes well, you can ask them if they would be willing to get together again at some point in the future, or just let them know that you would love to consider them a mentor.

Be sure you know what you want from it. Be able to express what you're looking for, and why you see them as a potential mentor. Be ready with the questions you want to ask, but don't be afraid to explore new avenues as they come up in the conversation. You don't have to be formal and overly serious, but be prepared. The last thing you want to do is waste their time.

As far as the mentor not being your boss, don't think of it as an either/or option. The perspective your boss has to offer might be completely different than the perspective someone one or two levels up might have to offer. Both can be valuable.

Curt Rosengren of WA 4:08PM November 02, 2010