I love this poem and I think it says it all in one simple sentence.

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.” (Khalil Gibran, Lebanese Poet, 1833–1913)

Along my path, I have met many Businessmen, advisors, mentors, and teachers. The ones who have made a difference in my life were the ones who were most humble and pushed me beyond my limits, beyond my “personally” set boundaries. It was never about them and they never asked for anything in return.

I sometimes attend startup sessions in which several mentors and startups come together, where mentors dish out their expertise like candies without consideration. I am immediately reminded of the days when I was struggling at my startup, confused and stuck and when I reached out for help, I would receive some equally garbled advice from a mentor who without really listening was eagerly indoctrinating me with his advice and success methodology.

There is a saying “The biggest enemy of a leader is success”. The reference is in particular to where the ego takes over and one fails to then recognize or listen.

If I had to sum up the basic qualities a mentor should poses apart his/her general expertise and experience, it comes down to these three attributes:

A) Enabling you
B) Encouraging you
C) And above staying humble

Seek out help from those mentors who can stay humble, enable you and encourage you to achieve your wildest dreams.