One of the easiest and most valuable commitments for continued professional education is to connect with a mentor. As described by Dictionary.com, a mentor is “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher” or “an influential senior sponsor or supporter.” That may sound easy, but identifying an appropriate mentor is challenging.
I began my first search for a mentor at 10 years old. Amazingly, I found one that I continue to depend on today. He’s my father, Jim Grote, who founded Donatos Pizza in 1963. Growing up behind our first Donatos restaurant on the south side of Columbus, it was easy to observe, and ultimately share, the same values and approach to business my father had.
The way in which he brought his principles to work every day was a lesson to me on how business should be conducted. He interacted with fairness, goodwill and compassion to vendors, customers and associates alike. He simply wanted to treat others the way he wanted to be treated. These are practices I strive to duplicate today.
Finding the perfect mentor is rarely as easy as my search was years ago. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of professionals that you have access to within your network. When searching for an appropriate person to help nurture and guide you to the next level of your career, there is criteria to consider. Simultaneously, there are key attributes to possess as a mentee.
Finding a mentor:
- Shared values: Ensure your values are aligned.
- Established in field: Find a professional with a network in place who can open a plethora of relationships that would otherwise take years to develop.
- Optimistic outlook: Select someone who is optimistic and a source of inspiration.
- Respect: Choose a person who will give real feedback, even if the message is hard.
Being a successful mentee:
- Be receptive: Don’t be discouraged by straight talk.
- Commit to it: Be open and invest the time.
- Show integrity: Instill integrity in the relationship.
- Document aspirations: Set goals with clear expectations that a mentor can help you achieve.
My father always told me to surround myself with as many smart people as possible. That’s why, to this day, I rely on a mentor. In 2005, I contacted Tanny Crane, the president and CEO of the Crane Group and one of the city’s most respected corporate leaders. That phone call blossomed into one of the most rewarding professional and personal relationships of my life. I continue to respect and value the incredible insights that Tanny provides.
If additional resources are needed to help find a mentor, investigate outside services that offer mentor matching programs. One program in the Central Ohio area is through the Women’s Small Business Accelerator. Its Mentor Match program is described as “a formalized mentoring program connecting growth stage women business owners with entrepreneurs and corporate executives who have achieved success in their business.” It’s a terrific resource.
Jane Grote Abell is the Chairwoman of the Board of Donatos Pizza. A founding family member of Donatos Pizza, Jane is heavily focused on the chain’s mission of promoting goodwill through product, service, principles and people.
