We’ve all heard of mentoring, but do we really understand what it is and how it can work powerfully in life and business? Claire Díaz-Ortiz is the co-author of “The One Minute Mentor” with Ken Blanchard and is In The Arena with Anthony on this episode to discuss the mentoring process, how to find a mentor, and how to benefit the most from a mentoring relationship. Claire is an author, speaker, and technology innovator who has been named one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company. Claire was an early employee at Twitter, where she was hired to lead corporate social innovation. This episode is packed with powerful insights and tips, so be sure you take the time to listen.

When should you seek out a mentor?
Mentors are not the last resort option or even like a coach. A mentor is a skilled person who you admire in particular areas who agrees to come alongside you to help you grow in that specific area. Once you understand that concept you discover that it’s possible to have a number of mentors at the same time, each one contributing to your life in a specific area. So when should you seek out a mentor? Whenever you have an area of your life that you would like specific help with. On this episode of In The Arena, Claire Diaz-Ortiz shares insights from her new book, “The One Minute Mentor.”
How can you find the best mentor for you?
There are hurdles to finding good mentors, simply because those who are successful enough to serve you well as a mentor will also be the people who are already in high demand. Begin looking for a mentor by identifying your specific area of need and then observing who is in your circle who is strong in that area. Once you have a list of candidates, refine your own understanding of your need so you will be able to approach mentor candidates with clarity and precision when it comes to describing exactly what you’re looking for. Find out more tips for locating and connecting with a great mentor on this episode, with Claire Diaz-Ortiz.

Cross-generational mentoring is a powerful personal growth tool.
Much of the wisdom you lack at any given time in life is due to the fact that you simply don’t have the experience you need - yet. But there are others in your field who have already fought those battles. They’ve already crossed those bridges - and typically, they are going to be of a different generation than you. On this episode of In The Arena, Anthony chats with Claire Diaz-Ortiz, co-author of the new book, “The One Minute Mentor.” Anthony and Claire spend a good deal of their conversation talking about the benefits of cross-generational mentoring, so make sure you don’t miss their chat.
Honesty and vulnerability are vital to the mentoring process.
No mentoring relationship will reach its full potential if either the mentor or the mentee is unwilling - for any reason - to be transparent. It’s the real life struggles and difficulties of life that highlight the areas where we most need to grow. They are also the places where the greatest lessons are learned. When a mentor and mentee allow their mentoring process to be enriched by their own honesty, amazing benefits come to both of them. Find out how to implement a very clear and powerful mentoring process with your mentor, on this episode of In The Arena.

Outline of this great episode

[0:44] Why mentoring and the art surrounding it are so fascinating to Anthony.
[3:13] Why Claire was so interested in writing this book.
[5:05] In what situations should you seek out a mentor, and how can you find one?
[12:56] The power of cross-generational mentoring.
[14:45] The mentee’s responsibility in the relationship.
[17:29] What is meant by 1 minute mentoring?
[22:48] Why mentoring relationships must include honesty and vulnerability.