Every Entrepreneur Needs a Mentor, but not a Critic

Posted by martinzwilling under Startups
From http://blog.startupprofessionals.com 4666 days ago
Made Hot by: Small Business News on February 14, 2012 12:39 am

The dictionary definition of a mentor is “an experienced and trusted advisor,” or “leader, tutor or coach.” The definition of a critic sounds similar, “a person who offers reasoned judgment or analysis.” The big difference, of course, is that a mentor looks ahead to help you, while a critic looks backward to tell you what you did wrong.

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Comments

Written by DreamIdeaUK
4659 days ago

Great article Martin! And such a rarely covered topic in discussion i feel!

The key for me is all in this phrase (below): This sums it up!

the big difference, of course, is that a mentor looks ahead to help you, while a critic looks backward to tell you what you did wrong.

You don't fancy writing an article or blog for us at dreamidea.co.uk do you??

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Written by minibizweb
4662 days ago

The issue here is not what words advisors choose, but the attitude of the listener - someone who wants to learn and improve, will learn from both angel and devil; and someone who is not ready to listen will take everything as a criticism. Person will hear what they want to hear when they are ready to hear it. I mean to be a mentor and want the best for my clients, but unintended intonation in a voice or unitentionally selected word can be taken for criticism all too easily.

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Written by HeatherStone
4665 days ago

Hi Martin,

I think it's great to make a distinction here between two very different kinds of advisors. It reminds me of what Guy Kawasaki says about balancing microscopes and telescopes in "The Art of the Start." I think we need both mentors and critics in our lives but perhaps at the outset.

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