Finding a mentor can be an incredibly valuable tool for personal and professional growth. A mentor is someone who can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career path. However, when it comes to finding a mentor, many people default to seeking out someone within their own company. While this may seem like a logical choice, there are actually many benefits to finding a mentor who is not in your company.
A Fresh Perspective
One of the primary benefits of seeking a mentor outside of your company is that they can offer a fresh perspective. When you work within a company, it is easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. An external mentor can offer a different perspective and challenge you to think in new ways.
Unbiased Advice
When you seek out a mentor within your company, there is always the risk that they will have biases based on their own experiences or relationships within the company. An external mentor, on the other hand, can provide unbiased advice and support that is not influenced by office politics or personal relationships.
Wider Network
Mentors are often well-connected individuals who can introduce you to new opportunities, contacts, and resources. By seeking a mentor outside of your company, you expand your network and gain access to a wider range of opportunities.
Increased Accountability
When your mentor is within your company, it can be easy to fall into the trap of treating your meetings as just another obligation on your to-do list. An external mentor, however, is less likely to let you off the hook. Since they are not part of your daily work environment, they are more likely to hold you accountable for the goals and plans that you set together.
Different Skill Sets
When seeking a mentor within your company, you may be limited to those who have experience in your specific field or role. By seeking a mentor outside of your company, you can find someone with a different skill set who can offer new insights and approaches.
In conclusion, while seeking out a mentor within your company may seem like the easiest or most logical choice, there are many benefits to finding a mentor outside of your company. By seeking a fresh perspective, unbiased advice, a wider network, increased accountability, and different skill sets, you can find a mentor who can truly help you grow and develop both personally and professionally.
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