Mentors

Here is some good stuff from Perry Noble. Put his ideas to use and grow!

My Five Rules For Meeting With A Mentor

I have had the privilege of being mentored by some incredible leaders, some you would know, others you might not–but nonetheless, God has used them to teach me SO MUCH about life and ministry.

Over the years I have developed five rules for meeting with a mentor that I would love to share here today…you may agree or disagree, all Iknow is that they have worked for me.

#1 - I Always Adjust To Their Schedule–ALWAYS!

When I am attempting to set up an appointment with someone I want tomeet with–I always ask them (or their assistant) to throw two or threedates at me that is most convenient for them…and then I adjust myschedule to make the meeting happen.

I NEVER send them the times I want and then ask them to adjust their schedules. I am the one who wants the meeting…and if they are available to me I will bend over backwards to hang out with them.

#2 - I Am Always Early For The Appointment

If I am driving from out of town I always make sure I arrive around 30 minutes early. If I get their TOO early then I will find a coffee shop–OR break out a book (ALWAYS have a book with you.)

Usually I will arrive at the person’s office to meet them about 15minutes early…and quite a few times the person I am meeting with hasbeen ready, thus giving me “bonus time!”

#3 - I Have A List Of At Least Five Questions That I Want To Ask.

I remember John Maxwell saying to me once, “I will mentor you, butyou have to ask the questions. I am not preparing a lesson for you…YOU guide this meeting. If you want to know something–ASK. If you don’t askanything then we don’t really have anything to talk about.”

SO…anytime I meet with a mentor (especially JOHN) I am LOADED with questions. Sometimes I get them all answered…sometimes I don’t…but I NEVER walk into a meeting without having a list of what I would like to know.

#4 - I Don’t Talk About Myself Unless They Ask.

When I meet with a mentor I don’t spend 30 minutes telling themabout myself, my daily routine and how good I think I am. I ask questions and then SHUT UP! If I disagree I do not argue. If they askme a question then I will answer…if not then I will keep on asking themmy questions. They didn’t ask to meet with me…I wanted to meet withthem–TO LEARN from them, not debate them.

#5 - I Always Send A Note/Gift Saying Thanks.

I haven’t done this until recently…but anytime someone gives me timeI will send them a Starbucks gift card or a restaurant gift card–justto thank them for the time. (And I jot them about a four sentence note–NOT A BOOK, but a note.)

Those are my rules…hope they help!