What if you’re ready to find a mentor and want to make sure they’re actually worth learning from? It’s not always easy to spot a great mentor. Just because someone has a fancy title or has been in the industry for a while doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for you.

Here’s how to suss out a quality mentor and make sure they’re the real deal.

1. They’re Generous with Knowledge, Not Just Praise

A great mentor doesn’t just say, “Good job!” and move on. They’re willing to teach you the how and why behind what they do. You can tell when someone’s passionate about sharing their expertise. They don’t hold back. They’re happy to walk you through their thought process, explain their approach, and answer your questions.

If you feel like a potential mentor is giving you vague compliments or only talks in broad strokes, that’s a red flag. You want someone who’s going to dig deep with you and really invest in your growth, not just someone who pats you on the back.

2. They’re Open About Their Failures, Not Just Their Successes

No one wants a mentor who acts like they’ve never made a mistake. In fact, the best mentors are the ones who aren’t afraid to talk about the times they messed up. Why? Because that’s where the real learning happens. If a mentor is only talking about their wins and never their challenges, it’s hard to believe they’re truly invested in helping you navigate the ups and downs.

A quality mentor will say, “Here’s what I did wrong, and here’s how you can avoid making the same mistake.” They’re open, honest, and willing to show you that failure is part of the journey.

3. They’re Invested in You, Not Just Your Output

It’s easy to spot a leader who’s only interested in what you can do for them. These are the types of people who mentor because they want you to work harder, produce more, or make them look good. A true mentor, though, cares about you. They want to see you grow—not just as a professional, but as a person.

Ask yourself: does this potential mentor ask questions about your long-term goals? Do they seem genuinely curious about what makes you tick, or are they more concerned with your performance in the moment? A mentor worth your time is going to care about the bigger picture, not just your ability to get things done.

4. They’re Humble Enough to Learn from You, Too

A great mentor doesn’t act like they have all the answers. In fact, some of the best mentors I’ve ever known have said things like, “I’ve never thought of it that way,” or “That’s something I could learn from you.” A real mentor knows that mentorship is a two-way street. They recognize that while they have a lot of experience, they can also learn from fresh perspectives.

If someone acts like they know it all and never shows a willingness to hear your ideas or insights, they might not be the best fit. Look for someone who respects what you bring to the table.

5. They Challenge You, But Don’t Belittle You

The whole point of having a mentor is to grow, right? So, it’s important that a mentor challenges you and pushes you out of your comfort zone. But there’s a big difference between challenging someone and making them feel small. A good mentor won’t belittle your efforts or make you feel like you’re never doing enough.

They’ll push you in a way that feels motivating, not defeating. They’ll give you constructive feedback that helps you improve without making you doubt your abilities. If a mentor leaves you feeling inadequate or constantly second-guessing yourself, that’s a sign they might not have your best interests at heart.

6. They Lead by Example, Not Just by Words

We’ve all met those people who say the right things but don’t follow through. When you’re looking for a mentor, you want someone who leads by example. They don’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk. If they’re always preaching about work-life balance, are they actually living it? If they say they value teamwork, do they act like a team player?

Pay attention to how they treat others, how they handle setbacks, and how they navigate their own career. Actions speak louder than words, and the best mentors embody the values they talk about.

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Finding Your Ideal Mentor

So, how do you put all this into practice? Finding the right mentor isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Start by looking at the people you already admire. Who in your circle seems to genuinely care about others’ growth? Who do you see leading by example? Ask questions, observe their behavior, and don’t be afraid to initiate a conversation about mentorship.

And remember, a great mentor is someone who’s generous, open, invested, humble, and challenging—without belittling you. They’re someone who’s in it for you, not just for what you can do for them. If you find that person, you’ve struck gold.

Finding a mentor can be a game-changer in your career, so take your time, choose wisely, and always trust your gut. The right mentor can make all the difference in your growth and success.

Happy Mentor Shopping,
Kendra