Everyone needs a mentor at some point in their life. A mentor is someone who has the knowledge that you need to improve and succeed.

A mentor could be someone who helps you with an interest or hobby like my friend Trey who is my Ultra-marathon mentor. During my years running ultra-marathons, I have made every mistake possible, but I have learned more each time. Finally, I decided to stop learning the hard way, and I asked Trey to help me by giving me his wisdom about how to run an ultra. He shared his knowledge with me as I took four pages of notes. Not only did Trey help me by sharing his time and experience, but he also gave me more confidence about running Ultras. Before I spoke with him I admit that at each ultra race, I was asking myself what would go wrong this time.

All institutions need mentors for new employees entering the company. Each company has a unique environment with sets of rules and expectations. Mentors can guide new employees to feel comfortable enough to ask the right questions to learn how to be successful.

Here are a few things a mentor at an institution or company can do to acclimate a new employee.

Talk about the environment/expectations

What makes your company different? What are the expectations? Who do you talk to for what? Give your new person the information he needs to function well.

Discuss the importance of attitude

Talk about the power of positivity, and how negativity can cause unwanted division.

Tell them to find the marigolds

Find the people who will lift you and help you succeed.

Be available

Check in on your person regularly. Gift him with acts of kindness like bringing in a Starbucks or inviting him to lunch. Help him feel that he belongs.

Understand the egos

Not everyone will want your help. Some people will see having a mentor as an insult. These are the people who need you the most, but you may have to wait until they figure that out.

This is a quick basic list, but always ask questions of the people who can teach you more, and be ready for those who might need your help.