Thinking about what life has brought to me thus far, I remember just how tentative and uncertain everything seemed when I first began my career. What would I do? Where would I do it? What was really required to succeed? Fortunately, I found mentors very early on who were—and are—deeply invested in helping me.

Mentors are those people who have broken the trail before us and are willing to show us the way. They are people who are further along than we are and are willing and able to impart what they have learned and experienced. Mentoring relationships are among the most valuable and worthwhile ones you can ever cultivate. They may be free of charge, but the results are priceless.

Therefore, mentoring relationships should be held in high regard and treated with utmost respect. Here are six key facts to remember:

No one owes you anything. Mentoring relationships are neither mandatory nor obligatory. Don’t even think of trying to get someone to mentor you by making them feel that he owes it to you. It is indeed a mutual relationship, and done well, both you and your mentor will benefit. Being grateful and appreciative sets the tone for a fruitful relationship.

 …