Stop Hunting For Advice

In 1975, an ambitious youngster walked into the office of the legendary Robert Noyce, co-founder of Intel. That young man? Steve Jobs. What he sought? Context, not just advice.

So, what should you look for in a mentor?

You don't need a walking encyclopedia. You need a guide.

Someone with specific knowledge of your craft? Sure, but it's more than that.

Someone with deep expertise in your field? Yes, but still not enough.

Someone with relevant experience? Certainly, but there's more to it.

Someone with similar values? Now, we're getting closer.

Someone with genuine care for your success? That's the core.

Let's dissect this with an anecdote.

Meet Lisa. A budding entrepreneur in the tech world. She sought mentorship from Tom, a retired tech guru.

Tom didn't just spew out advice.

He saw where Lisa was going.

He questioned her, challenged her, guided her.

He shared the lessons that his experience had etched on him.

He nurtured her values.

And most importantly, he genuinely cared about her journey.

So, Lisa didn't just get advice. She gained wisdom.

She learned not just to run her tech startup, but to run it with integrity, innovation, and empathy.

Mentorship isn't about learning to walk a path. It's about learning to forge one.

Advice is common. Wisdom is rare.

Seek mentors who provide context, not just content.

Find the mentor who doesn't teach you how to hold the brush, but teaches you how to see.

Why?

Because your path isn't a trail already blazed.

You're not following a map.

You're drawing one.

And in this journey, you need someone who sees not just where you are, but where you can be.