Every time I meet a trainee, the most common desire I hear is this: “I need a mentor.”
Usually, they are looking for someone already thriving in their space—someone whose guidance they believe will help them accelerate their own journey.
What many don’t realize, however, is that what they are often seeking is not mentoring but sponsorship—a subtle but important difference I’ll save for another day.
Every time I meet a trainee, the most common advice I give is simple: Pay attention to what is currently on your plate.
Your training.
Your tests.
Your attachments.
Your colleagues.
Your facilitators.
Your line managers.
That is where your energy belongs.
Because here’s the truth: focusing on what is in front of you is what attracts the right helpers.
Your work will attract what works for it.
Excellent work will attract excellent helpers.
Shoddy work will attract shoddy helpers.
So before you chase a mentor, ask yourself—am I fully invested in what’s already before me?
— Osasu Oviawe