4 Keys To Being Mentored

This is a blog I wrote for one of my spiritual sons, Wayne Northup, who is the pastor of Saints Community Church in New Orleans.

It seems that this generation is longing for spiritual fathers but don’t always have an understanding of how to attract and keep them in their lives. Here are some things you can do that will make a huge difference in your mentor’s enthusiasm to keep mentoring you:

1. RESPECT YOUR MENTOR
Show this…not talking about flattery but demonstrate it through your words and actions. If you don’t admire them for what they have done and what they know then the mentor/mentee relationship won’t go very far. Part of respect is expressing appreciation. A mentor needs to know they are connecting and not just giving out information. Your respect and appreciation will make them want to share more with you.

2. TAKE THE INITIATIVE
A good mentor is a busy person so you have to be considerate of their time and schedule. Make it as easy as possible for your mentor to help you. When you call ask, “Is this a good time?” If not then make a scheduled time for YOU to call them back. You be the one to drive, pick them up, pay the ticket and so on. Do whatever is best for their schedule not yours.

3. ASK GREAT QUESTIONS
It’s really hard to mentor people who don’t ask questions. The greatest spiritual sons I’ve had know how to ask incredible questions. Think of your questions in advance and come prepared. Many times when people aren’t asking questions that they do not have a true desire to learn and develop. A great mentee expresses passion to learn and a deep hunger to grow.

4. PROVE YOU ARE LEARNING
If you speak over your mentor and regularly interrupt them your days are numbered. Show them you are listening and learning. You must genuinely like and enjoy being with your mentor. If your mentor senses you like them, respect them and are learning from them it will make it easy for him or her to help you.

Let’s hear from other mentors/fathers out there. What attributes make you want to mentor someone?