Last week I had the pleasure of sitting in on a session with a coach to discuss Coaching and Mentors. Through the Masters of Business Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program I have been fortunate to find some great coaches and mentors. Last week’s session was a pre-workshop meeting to ask questions of a mentor and coach to help us as we develop the workshop. Why is a mentor important? A coach and mentor will help as you move ahead in life. We meet many coaches throughout our lives; family, supervisors, friends, those we meet who offer input, and of course those who coach professionally. How often have you taken advantage of a coach? How often have you asked for help and guidance in your professional career? A coach and mentor will push you to develop certain skills. A business or life coach is no different than a coach in sports.Their job is to help you to move to the next level. A coach and mentor will make you think. We often are stuck in a pattern; we know we need to do something different, but do not take the time to figure out how to do something different. A coach will help you to think about things in a different way. A coach will question your patterns and behaviour and ask more of you. A coach and mentor will help you to improve. When you are forced to think about something in a different way, when you are asked and pushed to change a pattern which is not beneficial, you are improving your life, your habits, your skill sets. Can you be Mentored? Are You Coachable? To be considered coachable, you:
1) Recognize ego has no place in the learning process
2) Understand you need to work to grow
3) Strive to learn and improve
4) Willing to listen, and value the input of others.
Answering yes to these four questions means you are open to change. With the right attitude you will achieve a great outcome. There are many different coaches, presentation, media, business development, and life coaches to name a few. Finding the right coach and mentor is a matter of understanding who you are and identifying the what and the why of your growth. Coaching and mentoring is generally not a one day task. Remember you are asking someone to give you their time and expertise. Respecting you both have limited time, give up your phone and put your full attention when you are meeting. To find a mentor, the first step is to ask. People are willing to coach; your network is filled with mentors and coaches. Reach out to your network, ask for recommendations. Finally, there is always the option to join groups, grow you network and find a coach in the group.
Questions to ask yourself before seeking a mentor.
About You…
- Are you ready to be mentored?
- Will you take advice?
- Do you recognize that learning is a lifelong process?
- Are you willing to listen to someone’s insights on you?
Be sure you understand your motivations. A mentor is not there to give you the answers. A good mentor will challenge you to find the answers yourself. Ultimately your success is dependent on you. Your mentor will be there to provide guidance. Success is built on your own achievements.
What do you want to do?
- What areas of your life do you need mentoring or coaching?
- What strengths do you have?
- What do you need to improve?
Understand what you need. Before you begin reaching out to a mentor, understand what you want to achieve through mentoring. Understand yourself well, and what direction you want to go. A mentor is not a psychologist; their job is to assist you to achieve your goals.
Why do you want to be mentored?
- Why do you need mentor?
- Why do you think this mentor/coach will help you?
Be clear on your objectives. If you are unclear finding a mentor will be of no value. Communicate your objectives. Understand your timelines. Where are you today? Where do you want to be? When do you want to get there?
You as the Mentee
As a mentee your job is to listen, think, and learn. Approach all meetings with your mentor with respect, humility, integrity, and an open mind. Coaches and mentors will ask more of you. A good coach will ask you to think in broader terms. Make time for a mentor. If you can`t make time for a mentor you are ultimately the one who is losing. Ask questions and listen to the answer. Your mentor wants to help you, but they do not have a crystal ball, nor can they read minds. Keep in contact with your mentor. Email and phone calls help you to stay in contact. Your mentor is a busy person, you chose them as a mentor because they are successful, they are good at what they do. You are not their only priority. Tell them about your successes. Your success should always be shared with your mentor. Directly or indirectly they contributed, let them know. Mentors want to work with people who they can help; your success is the proof point.
It is never too early, or too late to find a mentor.