Finding the right mentor can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. My approach to mentoring, especially with veteran entrepreneurs, isn’t about friendship; it’s about focus. A good mentor will challenge you, provide honest feedback, and push you to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable. The following are five pieces of advice for finding a good mentor.
1. Clarify your goals first
Before seeking a mentor, define what you want guidance on (e.g., career advancement, leadership skills, research, entrepreneurship, personal growth, etc.). This clarity helps you identify someone who has walked the path you aspire to follow.
2. Choose challenge over comfort
A common mistake is assuming the most successful person makes the best mentor or that someone like you is the safest choice. In reality, titles, similarity and positivity alone do not guarantee value. Research shows people often benefit more from experienced mentors who may be blunt or direct in their feedback. The best mentors challenge your thinking, share real lessons and push you outside your comfort zone.
3. Build relationships before asking
Rather than jumping straight into a “Will you be my mentor?” request, start by engaging naturally. Attend their talks, ask thoughtful questions, share your work or seek brief advice. A good mentorship often grows out of an authentic connection.
4. Be willing to “shop around”
Mentorship isn’t a lifelong contract. It’s perfectly normal to try out different mentors and realize that some fit better than others. As your career evolves, your needs will too, and the right mentor at one stage may not be the right one later. Don’t be afraid to pivot — finding the best guidance often takes some trial and error.
5. Diverse voices, better choices
It is often wise to have more than one mentor. No single person can provide all the guidance you need, and different mentors bring different strengths. By seeking multiple perspectives, you gain a clearer view of your options and avoid blind spots. This diversity of guidance can help you discover the best path forward to attain your goals.
Frank C. Butler is the Richard X. Zhang Endowed Professor of Business at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is the faculty director of the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, and his research is predominantly in strategy and organizational performance. Butler consults with businesses and non-profits on strategic planning and growth, and he co-hosts The Busyness Paradox podcast, which explores work and life in today’s workplace.