Four Traits That Will Help Business Owners Become Influential Mentors

Younger entrepreneurs need mentors who will help them learn the ins and outs of their industry. Those who want to help a fellow business professional learn the ropes need to have the following traits:

Passionate

When work is done without passion, it’s a worthless pursuit. Unfortunately, some mentors end up being uninterested after years of experience. Having a mentor who understands their fellow entrepreneur’s enthusiasm for the industry will inspire a young business owner. Those who want to try their hand at mentoring must continue to show their passion and their interest in the field. This will encourage mentees to keep on learning and striving for what they want to achieve with their business.

Image source: Huffingtonpost.com

A good listener

Those with few years of experience in the business have a lot of worries and feelings about what they’re doing. For those who have been on the field for long, it might be difficult to empathize with what the newcomers are going through. In order to become an influential mentor, one must listen and understand what the other is saying in to provide authentic advice.

Problem solver

An effective mentor is a good problem solver. In a young entrepreneur’s life, they will encounter many bumps in the road that may sometimes make them think of quitting. Mentors should show their mentees how they can solve problems. For starters, they can demonstrate how to be part of the solution.

Respectable

Mentors who are good role models are worth listening to. Those who have an excellent track record and respected in business circles have gained their influence because of their great character. Beyond skills and success, a business owner must have a character that will allow him to outlast all the changes and challenges. Having an authority figure to emulate is a great help for those who want to make their mark in the business world.

Image source: Entrepreneur.com

Mentoring is a rewarding experience for the mentor and the mentee. When personalities and interests match, it can be a recipe for learning and growth.

Brian and Jenny Dougherty are the founders of Dougherty Marketing in North Carolina. Since 2001, they have been helping clients become the best in their respective careers through the training services offered by their company. To know more about its services, visit the company’s official website.

Developing Interpersonal Skills for Business

The business world needs different personality types and management styles. However, there are leaders who stand out not just because of their achievements but because of how they relate with their colleagues. Having good interpersonal skills is indeed a gift but it is something that everyone can work on.

Practice listening
The sad reality in most businesses and workplaces is that listening to others is considered a task, especially when everyone is busy or trying to beat a deadline. Despite this tendency, listening can be considered the lifeblood of businesses, as this is where discourse and good ideas flow. To exercise listening skills, a person can begin by sincerely hearing out what a co-worker or a boss is saying before offering his or her own suggestions. Or perhaps it would be a good start to stop thinking of something else when listening to another person.

Image source: Speak-first.com

Speaking with clarity
This is very important in the workplace, especially for those in key positions. When there are people under an individual’s responsibility or supervision, he or she has to be sure that the instructions are clearly conveyed to employees. When it comes to work talk, sarcasm or joking could be taken the wrong way. To avoid offending others, be direct with instructions, praise, and even corrections. However, remember to speak with tact. Sincerity and clarity are not just about saying things as it is. There must be a balance that must not throw people off.

Diplomacy
Aside from tact, business leaders and employees must never forget that the dog-eat-dog industry can still benefit from diplomacy. The industry can be competitive and cruel but diplomacy will help a person get the upper hand. The peacemakers will easily gain favor compared to those who are antagonistic, as people trust them to calmly state what they want without stepping on anyone’s toes. When the workplace is becoming a warzone, remember that the diplomats are the ones who get to say their piece. There are more tips to improve a person’s interpersonal skills but these three are good points to begin with. Practicing these qualities will make a person stand out in the workplace.

Image source: Enkivillage.com

  
Since 2001, Brian and Jenn Dougherty have been helping clients become the best in their respective careers through the training services offered by their company, Dougherty Marketing, in North Carolina. To know more business insights, visit the company’s official website.