Search the Leader2Leader Mentoring Directory for someone with the leadership experience and areas of expertise you're interested in. If meeting face-to-face is important to you, make sure you search based on location. Once you've found a mentor or mentors who you think could be a good match, go ahead and request a match with them!
Once you've matched with a mentor, start the partnership off on the right foot by sharing your goals and establishing your mutual expectations. What do you both wish to get out of the mentorship? Do you have a specific, focused goal (e.g. resume review, preparing for a certification exam, etc.) or are you looking for something less structured? How do you each prefer to communicate? How frequently would you like to connect? You may find it helpful to set up regular meetings or phone calls so you keep momentum.
Make sure you take advantage of the mentoring resources we've provided. The Mentee Development Worksheet can help you think through your goals and prompt you to discuss your communication plan, the Suggested Structure provides an example timeline for a six-month mentoring relationship and the Helpful Tips are just that, helpful tips for both mentees and mentors as you embark on your mentoring relationship.