We long to grow and mature, but we are often left wandering in the stages of life by ourselves. Sometimes it’s because we have no one around to show us the way, but more often than not, there are teachers but no students.
Simply put, I’ve noticed people don’t know how to approach a leader, mentor or pastor.
So you might be asking, where do I begin? How do I take the posture of a student? It’s simple: Like a student, ask questions, and then listen.
Recently, I’ve been so impressed by the questions asked by Tim Ferriss in his book, Tribe of Mentors, that I’ve collected them all here for you to see and use.
The next time you are with someone you respect, admire, or want to learn from try asking one or more of these questions.
A List of Good Questions to Ask Mentors
Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Tim Ferriss
What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why? Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)?
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say?
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world”? What advice should they ignore?
What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to?
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Hope this helps. May you grow in the love and wisdom of Christ as you connect with your mentors and leaders.
Peace,
PB