The Value of a Mentor

Why Choose a Mentor or a Coach?

Do I need a mentor in my personal or professional life?  Do I need a coach in my personal or professional life?  Do you have a specific professional or personal goal you wish to attain?

I say the answer is yes to all of the above!  Mentors and coaches are two different roles with a specific focus to enhance and strengthen you as a leader, as an employee or with any aspect of your future.  A long-term mentor of mine said, “I’m always looking for a person who is doing the right things and getting positive results – that’s who I want for my mentor or coach.”  Successful mentor or coach relationships begin with a clear understanding of the mentee’s goal.  The roadmap to success begins with the end result in mind.

What is the role of a mentor? A trusted advisor who provides guidance to a mentee by developing their personal and professional skills.  Mentors ask the tough questions and provide feedback and guidance to the mentee to assist them with achieving their goals – not the mentor’s goals – the mentee’s goals.

Mentors can assist with improving your skills and in general becoming your best self whether in the community, personally or professionally.   The key to a successful relationship is the mentor’s ability to articulate their advice and experiences in a way that is easily understood by the mentee.  A mentee must be transparent and communicate their strengths, weaknesses and future goals to set the stage for an awesome experience.  

A coach is someone who excels at achieving specific short-term goals, whereas a mentor is someone who you can expect to have a long-term relationship with.  Examples of a coach could be someone to guide you thru a career choice, advice on a start-up business, dealing with a difficult relationship, etc. 

What are the key boxes you should check before approaching someone about a coaching or mentor relationship?  

• What draws you to this person?  Is it their own success story?
• Does the mentor / coach have a positive history professionally and personally?
• Is this a person who is revered as being successful and possesses the character or the outcome you want to achieve?
• Do you perceive the potential mentor to be patient, an active listener and a clear communicator?

Questions to consider at the first mentor/coach meeting: 

• Are you both ready to enter the mentor or coaching relationship? 
• Are you ready for honest and thought-provoking feedback?
• Don’t be afraid to ask (or answer) the tough questions to be sure this is the right person to influence your life. 
• Can both of you agree to a frequency, a date and a time for meetings that complement your schedules instead of disrupt your schedules?

Now you are ready to share knowledge and experiences to be the best version of YOU! Moving forward with confidence and keeping your eyes on personal or professional goals is what a successful mentor or coach relationship is built on!