It has been said many times that if you want "something" you should give away that same "thing." So if you are looking for a mentor, and are having trouble finding the right one, it makes sense that you mentor someone instead. You may be thinking that you are not mentor material, but you will do just fine. We all have expertise in areas that others don't, and it is our social responsibility to not only use the talents we have been given, but to also share them with others as well. Besides, mentoring can be an extremely rewarding experience.

To get the mentoring process started, think carefully about the following questions before answering them. These questions are intended to show you how valuable you are, and just how much you have to offer another. We are our own worst critic and we are a lot smarter than we think.

1. What's a typical day like for you?
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the field?
3. What steps did you take to achieve professional success?
4. What are some challenges that you face daily, and how do you resolve them?
5. What lessons have you learned from resolving these challenges?
6. What are five life lessons that you have learned so far that you can pass on to others?
7. What burning issues or ideas drive your life?
8. What legacy would you like to leave behind?
9. In what ways could you enhance the lives of the future generation?
10. What value could you add to a mentoring relationship?
11. What are five key things that you are looking for in a mentoring relationship for yourself?
12. What kind of people would you like to mentor?

Honestly answering these questions will raise your level of consciousness. And, you will be amazed by how much you have to offer a mentee. And the things that you are looking for in a mentoring relationship, you should give to your protege. It will help to satisfy that need within you.

Mentoring research has shown that both mentor and mentee benefit from the relationship, so you will likely feel a sense of satisfaction. To help to prepare yourself for a successful mentoring relationship, there are several traits that the best mentors possess.

Traits of Great Mentors

• People lover
• Empathetic and non-judgmental
• Authentic
• Life lover
• Have sound judgment
• Think independently and divergently
• Have definite purpose
• Have good humor
• Reliable
• Honorable
• Set boundaries for self and others
• Insist that their proteges become autonomous
• Willing to share wisdom, knowledge and experiences
• Enlightened and understand that the world is bigger than them
• Inspiring
• Willing to help others succeed

And while you are mentoring your protege, become involved with organizations that offer mentoring programs so that you can learn from them, as well as get access to mentors for yourself. Being involved with organizations that offer mentoring programs allows you to be a better mentor and mentee. Also, seek formal groups that are tasked with providing professional support because they might be able to match you with the perfect mentor.

Good mentoring relationships are reciprocal in nature and teach you the art of give and take.