Building Blocks for Creating Compelling Goals

Do you want to know the key to success for protégées?

It’s quite simple, actually.

Be clear on setting compelling goals.

It is imperative to be intentional about knowing what you hope to gain out of a mentoring relationship, because that is the only way someone can reach out a hand to help. Where do you begin, you might ponder?

Ask yourself these questions, and share your answers with your mentor. Truly understand yourself and take a deeper look into who you are as a person and cognize how you want to leverage yourself both personally and professionally. Answer the following questions:

1. What did I dream of being/doing/having when I was young?
2. What are my dreams today?
3. What am I really good at?
4. What items are on my bucket list?
5. What are some things I hope to enjoy

Asking yourself questions like these can allow you to understand the you in the past, present, and future. After you have asked yourself these questions, start focusing on narrowing your focus on your goals. List out your short-term and long-term goals. Some of you already have these in your mind, but write them down. Whiteboard. Tape it up on your desk so you see it everyday. Set goals for three months from now, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. Set action steps to achieving those goals and make them SMART. Make sure your goals are:

                                                                                                     S (specific)

                                                                                                     M (measurable)

                                                                                                     A (accurate)

                                                                                                     R (realistic) 

                                                                                                     T (timely)

If you truly want a successful mentoring experience, you need to come to the relationship motivated and empowered to plan and direct your own professional life. As protégées, it is imperative that we come into a mentoring relationship with clear intentions and are prepared to set expectations upfront. Understanding yourself in the past, present, and future and setting SMART goals can help your mentor gain more insights in how to make your mentoring relationship a fruitful one.

You can learn more about creating meaningful goals and developing yourself personally and professionally through our Mastermind Series. If you would like to learn more about the four-module course on becoming a more powerful woman leader, please email samantha@mentoringwomensnetwork.com.

Get an overview of the class here: http://new.passthetorchforwomen.com/2015/04/08/are-you-a-leader-mwn-can-help-you-hone-your-skills/