We all need a coach or a Mentor at different times in our lives. I have had various mentors and coaches throughout my career. Some helped me as a one-off, others walked with me for a while. In actual fact I am just about to begin another coaching journey.
Definitions
Let’s be clear, coaching and mentoring are very distinct things and very different. You can check my previous blogs to this topic:
Here are some brief definitions:
Mentoring: The Definition
A mentor is someone who shares their knowledge, skills and/or experience, to help another to develop and grow.
A mentor will share his experience with you and help you grow in your career
Coaching: The Definition
A coach is someone who provides guidance to a client on their goals and helps them reach their full potential.
A good coach will help you focus, sort your thoughts and ideas and point you in the right direction for growth. Often this is done by asking the right questions and giving you some homework to find your own way.
Why do we need this?
Simple: To avoid pitfalls and to learn from others. None of us was born with all wisdom in place. We need to learn. By using mentors and coaches you can speed up the process a bit and also improve the quality of the outcomes.
I have had the privilege to work with some amazing coaches in the past. This has helped me grow in leaps and bounds. However, the best coach or mentor will not help you anything, if you are not putting in your own work as well. As they say
You can lead the horse to water, but you can not force it to drink
Unless you are willing to open up, recognize mistakes and wrong turnings, you will not be able to really benefit from coaching and / or mentorship. Open yourself up to new ways and new thoughts and dive in. It is an eye-opening adventure.
Yes a good coach or mentor will cost you money. But is it worth it! You are using their time & experience, so make sure you pay them fairly.
Benefits
When you open yourself up and make the most of your coaching / mentorship sessions, you will gain so much. Your entire thoughts and planning may actually change. But it will definitely set you on your road to progress.
Let’s all look for mentors / coaches for growth