Following are 5 essential criteria to picking the right mentor.

1. Understand what exactly you want from a mentoring relationship

2. Research potential mentors – consider their experience, values and personality by speaking to several

3. Have a preliminary meeting with a potential mentor to check fit – chemistry, values, their commitment and enthusiasm, and their listening skills

4. Clarify your expectations with your potential mentor and ask whether they fit with what the mentor is offering

5. Review how its going after three meetings – at this point, fine tune it or, if its not a good fit, agree to part company