Step 1 of 4 · 1 hour

Step 1: Define Your Mentorship Goals

Be specific about what you need from a mentor: technical skills, soft skills, or networking.

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Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Identify 3 core skills you want to develop
Write a 1-sentence 'ideal outcome' for the next 6 months
List 2-3 specific challenges you need help solving

Coach's Perspective

Be honest about your gaps. The best mentors respect self-awareness. Avoid vague asks like 'teach me about leadership'—say 'help me transition from IC to manager by September.' Specificity signals commitment.

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Step 2 of 4 · 2-3 hours

Step 2: Identify Potential Mentors

Research leaders in your field who align with your goals and values.

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Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Identify 5 potential mentors within your company or industry
Check their LinkedIn for common interests or shared history
Look for evidence of them previously mentoring or coaching

Coach's Perspective

Target people 1-2 levels above you who've done what you want to do. Ask for referrals ('Who should I talk to about...?'). Warm intros through a mutual contact have 10x higher acceptance than cold outreach.

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Step 3 of 4 · 1-2 hours

Step 3: Make the Initial Outreach

Use word-for-word scripts to request a 20-minute 'exploratory chat'.

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Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Draft personalized outreach for top 3 candidates
Highlight why you chose them specifically
Provide clear availability options

Coach's Perspective

Keep it short: 2-3 sentences max. Say why you admire them specifically (not generic praise). Request 20 minutes, not an open-ended commitment. Email outreach works better than LinkedIn messages—it feels more professional.

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Step 4 of 4 · 1 hour per month

Step 4: Maintain the Momentum

Structure your follow-ups, meeting agendas, and 'homework' tracking.

DO THIS NOW Required Checklist

Check off these key actions to complete this step:

Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of every meeting
Provide an update on actions taken before the next session
Review and adjust goals every 3 months

Coach's Perspective

Come to each session with specific questions—mentors respect preparation. Share wins and failures equally. When your mentor sees you implementing their advice, they invest more deeply. The relationship compounds over time.

Recommended Workspace: Explore template/tool ↗

Quest Complete!

You've mastered this path.

Congratulations! You have completed all the steps in the How to Find and Keep a Mentor playbook.

Your New Skills & Wins

✓ Clearer career direction and goal alignment
✓ Professional network expansion
✓ Structured plan for ongoing learning and feedback
✓ Mastery of professional relationship management

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