When it comes to having a mentor, there is no “one and only.” You can gain a more valuable outlook by triangulating advice from multiple mentors. How do you find these mentors? Try mentor mapping:

• Step 1: Envision what you want your career and life to look like five years down the road. What do you want to do? How do you want to feel? How will it be different from the present?
• Step 2: Create a list of the different types of support you will need to get from where you are now to where you want to be. Think creatively and expansively.
• Step 3: Next, consider who currently fulfills those roles in your life. Who do you go to for emotional support now? Where are you getting your negotiation advice? Write down as many names as you can think of.
• Step 4: Now, take a step back and review. Try to identify where you have “missing mentors” and “misplaced mentors.” Missing mentors are types of support that you will need moving forward but don’t currently have on your list.  Misplaced mentors are mentors who are supporting you in areas where they are not particularly well-suited to provide advice.