The Value of a Mentor

Today, we are more exposed to finite connections with coaches who come and go in our lives. We look to social media and the web for tutorials and answers. While those methods do help, they can’t replace the value of a mentor.

Unlike a coach, a mentor is a person with whom you develop a long-term relationship aimed at assisting your growth. It’s someone who imparts you with wisdom and knowledge and actively supports and contributes to your endeavours.

John Wooden said, ‘Mentors are available at all stages of your leadership life - early, middle, and late. Seek them out and listen; absorb their knowledge and use it.’

Every clinician needs a mentor to amplify and fast-track their success. If you haven’t connected with any yet, look for one and, in the future, be one yourself.
The people you surround yourself with will impact your mindset either positively or negatively, and this ultimately affects how you behave. Environment, mindset, and behaviour are all linked.

Stephen Covey said, ‘Always surround yourself with people who are more talented and competent than you.’

Having a mentor creates a shift in your environment and puts you in a position of continuous awareness and desire for growth. More than just surrounding yourself with someone who’s more skilled and more experienced, you develop a relationship that allows you to stand beside them and receive instruction.

A lot of clinicians do not have a mentor at times when they would benefit most from having one. It is crucial to have one at the beginning of your career, someone you can shadow and learn from, especially about things that dental school will not teach you.

Having a mentor is invaluable. It’s not a sign of weakness or proof that you are less capable than your peers. In fact, many great people in history boast of having mentors who guided their way.

When you seek one, you actually exhibit your maturity and relentless drive for success.