Podcast 78 - How to find a mentor

How to find a mentor with Heath Suddleson In this podcast US project management and leadership expert speaks about mentoring and how to find a mentor. Heath Suddleson has more than 25 years experience in managing projects in the design and construction industry where he has led teams in managing billions of dollars worth of projects. In these roles, Heath has served as the contractor, the Architect/Engineer, and even represented the owner. He learned some of his most profound lessons by serving in volunteer leadership roles in organisations such as the American Legion, the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, and Toastmasters International. In his work with Toastmasters International, Heath served roles from local clubs through many levels in the organisation, even having served from 2009-2011 on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors. Most recently, Heath worked in a corporate role for one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies developing and conducting training programs to help the next generation of project managers become more successful in their roles. His best selling book, The Attitude Check: Lessons In Leadership has become a practical field guide for leaders to harness their attitudes to increase productivity and reduce turnover in the work place. Some organisations have incorporated his book into their standard training programs. Points raised in this podcast: Mentors come in many different shapes and sizes, when choosing a mentor look at people around you and chose a person who you would like to emulate. Find out what you are looking for a mentor – you can have a range of mentors for unique areas throughout your life – your relationships, hobbies and workplace. Have as many mentors as possible. Find someone who you think is successful and the people you want to emulate. Once you find out who you want to mentor you, go ahead and ask them if they would consider being your mentor. When you ask someone to be a mentor, there is a range of responses. Whether they say yes or no, just asking is a positive step. Even if your mentor is not available, once you ask this individual will keep you in their radar ongoing. If you are assigned a mentor and their mentors are not delivering on their expectations. Mentors should be available and accountable throughout the process. Getting a mentor to tackle under performance and personal development will allow individuals to gain a support system including training and development goals. Reach out to mentors and ask them to help with the management of your personal development. Mentors are a pseudo therapist or even a doctor, if there is something going on in your life it is worth sharing this information with your mentor. Discuss information confidentially with your mentor so you can focus on your development and performance. Personal capability is key for finding the perfect mentor. Join professional organisations to find a mentor and build up your confidence. Think about the most impressive athletes you know of, they still have a coach. Being a successful project manager is no different. Everyone needs coaching and support. We never stop developing; there is always someone you can reach out to. Round tables, mastermind groups with peers and mentors are key for successful leaders. Look to the people who are doing what you want to do and ask them to be your mentors. The people who have succeeded want to help people achieve what they have achieved. If someone gives you a bo