Let’s face it, the right mentor can make or break a career, and yet, mentorship in agri-business is often underutilised. The truth is, there’s a wealth of experience out there just waiting to be shared – and it’s time to take full advantage of it. Finding and using mentorship isn’t just about picking someone you admire and hoping they give you the inside track – it’s about cultivating a network of diverse mentors to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer between generations of agriculturalists. Here’s how you can unlock the full potential of mentorship in agri-business to mould your career trajectory and professional development in many ways.
One Mentorship? Why Stop There?
We’ve all heard the phrase “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” but for some reason, when it comes to mentorship, people tend to do exactly that. They find one person, stick to them, and pray they have all the answers. In reality, the best mentors come in many shapes and sizes, each offering something different.
Want to know the latest on crop technology? Look for a mentor who’s pushing the boundaries of innovation. Need guidance on navigating the leadership ranks? Seek out someone who’s walked the path before. A mentor who’s great for one area might not be the best for another – and that’s perfectly fine. The more mentors you have, the more diverse perspectives you’ll gain, and the better equipped you’ll be to tackle the many challenges of agri-business.
Find Mentorships That Challenge You
It’s easy to surround yourself with people who share your viewpoint – it feels comfortable. But growth doesn’t come from comfort zones. Seek out mentors who challenge your thinking, push you out of your bubblewrap, and ask the tough questions. The best mentors aren’t afraid to disagree with you, and they’ll give you the tough love you need to move forward. Whether it’s providing a fresh perspective on an age-old problem or suggesting ways you can improve your decision-making, these mentors are the ones who’ll keep you sharp and ahead of the game.
Get in Front of the Right Mentorship Opportunities
If you think mentorship is just about advice, you’re missing the point. A good mentor isn’t just someone who pats you on the back and tells you to “keep going.” They’re the ones who’ll introduce you to people who actually matter. You know, the ones who can open doors that were previously sealed shut with industrial-strength locks. These mentors have the connections, the wisdom, and most importantly, the knowledge of which courses or certifications will give you that elusive edge. Think of mentorship as your VIP pass to the industry’s best networks—get in with the right people, and the rest will follow.
Seek Out Mentorships That Embody Different Strengths
If all you’re after is career advice, you’re doing it wrong. A great mentor can help you sharpen all sorts of skills, not just the ones related to your job title. Need to brush up on the latest ag-tech? Find someone who lives and breathes it. Want to be a boss who doesn’t make everyone wish they’d joined the circus instead? There’s a mentor for that too. Heck, maybe you need someone who’s cracked the work-life balance code (a unicorn, but they do exist). The point is, don’t limit yourself to one-size-fits-all guidance. Mix and match. A variety of mentors will give you a toolkit for growth, not just a single hammer for every problem.
Make it a Two-way Street
Mentorship is like a dinner date – one person can’t do all the talking, and the other can’t just sit there nodding and expecting dessert. It’s a relationship, and like any relationship, it requires effort from both sides. Your mentors are there to offer insights, but don’t just sit there like a sponge soaking up wisdom. Offer something in return – whether it’s your fresh perspective, an example of when you applied their advice, or just an interesting tidbit you picked up at the last industry event that you’d like to discuss. The more you give, the more they’ll invest in you. It’s that simple.
Don’t Wait – Find Your Mentors Now
Waiting for mentorship to fall into your lap is like waiting for the cows to come home after a 12-hour pub crawl. It’s not going to happen. If you want the right people to help you along your career journey, you have to go out and find them yourself. Whether you’re fresh out of uni or a seasoned pro, there’s always room for more mentors in your life. Don’t settle for just one – get yourself a variety. Each mentor brings something different to the table, and the more diverse your group of mentors, the faster you’ll grow into a dynamic professional.
That’s a Wrap
So, get out there and start building your crew of mentors. It’s time to stop waiting for guidance to come to you and start seeking it from every direction. Remember, it’s not just about what you know – it’s about who you know, who can challenge you, and who will help you get to the next level. The right mentors are there – make sure you’re tapping into their (and your) full potential.
Resources:
https://www.aginstitute.com.au/pd-events/mentoring/
https://farmingtogether.com.au/regenerative-agriculture-mentorship-program/
https://www.crawfordfund.org/training/mentoring/
https://nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/
