Teachers and coaches were the first true mentors in my life fostering the importance of teamwork, trust, integrity and competition. Back then, I never imagined the impact this experience would have on my professional career path.

It is a great feeling knowing someone cares about your success and wants to help you on your journey … our teachers, coaches and mentors.Why have mentors in the workplace?It is the same concept as having that awesome teacher or outstanding coach that pushed and challenged you through projects and competitions. Mentors will do the very same things for you in the workplace.Identify someone you admire, who is successful and knowledgeable in their field this is the person you want to approach and ask for help.Seek a mentor who has experience along with the time and willingness to meet with you on occasion.Once you connect with a mentor, it is important to be open to the guidance you will receive.The Careerstone GroupLLC (www.careerstonegroup.com) advises you must be:• Willing to ask for help.• Open and receptive to learning and tryingnew ideas.• Able to accept feedback-even constructivecriticism and act upon it.• Willing to experiment and apply what youlearn back on the job.• Able to communicate and work cooperativelywith others.• Be personally responsible and accountable.• Ready, willing and able to meet on a regularbasis.To those of you who have been in the workplace for a number of years and have the knowledge and experience to mentor someone … please do.Pay it forward as a mentor to help strengthen our businesses by working with new employees on leadership skills and institutional knowledge.As a mentor, have the willingness to share both successes and failures experienced in the workplace offering up real-world experiences.If you need help finding a mentor, first make certain to check with your organization to see if there is a program available.Attend networking events that will offer up the opportunity to meet business professionals.Ask a friend or colleague to help and be sure to check in with the chamber! We have access to a number of business professionals and monthly networking events that will give you the opportunity to meet your potential mentor.Take advantage of the opportunity to grow by finding a mentor … or being a mentor for someone in need.