Report question

Note: your identity will not be shared with the person who sent you this message.
This field is required

Would you want to have a mentor who can relate to your own struggles?

I was doing some research and I wanted to find out if the mentees wanted or were looking for a mentor who went thru some of the same struggles.

Sign in to answer

5 answers

Yes.

I had two mentors at key points in my business career. They were a combination of technical, management and communications talent, rarely found in high tech industry. Neither placed salary, position or ego ahead of developing their subordinates and each reached the pinnacle of their respective careers for exactly that trait.

Their skills at developing and utilizing people were their most highly valued qualities.

I owe my survival in a very hectic environment to those two and much of my ability to guide and counsel individuals as well as communicate effectively springs from their legacy of guidance.

Report Kenneth's answer

Note: your identity will not be shared with the person who sent you this message.
This field is required

Having a mentor with a similar background can be helpful but is not a prerequisite to gaining valuable insights. Some of our best learning comes from individuals who are different from us, and diverse teams have better performance than homogenous ones. The most important factor is having a growth (vs. fixed) mindset.

Report Samantha's answer

Note: your identity will not be shared with the person who sent you this message.
This field is required

Yes and no.

When your mentor has faced similar challenges as you, they can relate to your frustrations and assist you in moving ahead quickly to overcome those challenges. They have been in your shoes, therefore help comes from experience. Imagine a former junkie assisting a junkie get off drugs.

Not really. Just because mentors have not gone through similar challenges as you doesn't mean they can't be of assistance. I have mentors who have not felt the pain I felt, yet they are able to help me navigate the current challenges.

It depends on your luck, and your attitude. If you're open to learning, any human being carries gold. Look for gold.

Report Pulane's answer

Note: your identity will not be shared with the person who sent you this message.
This field is required

It would be an ideal option for me. A mentor who faced the same challenges or had a similar situation can give valuable advice and explain the steps he or she took to succeed.

Report Irene's answer

Note: your identity will not be shared with the person who sent you this message.
This field is required