Call it coaching or call it mentoring.
Either way, it’s a process that helps you better know yourself, deal more effectively with others, and become your own best advocate. Here are a few of the outcomes you can expect:
- Improved workplace communication skills.
- Better, more effective strategies for working with customers, clients, peers, supervisors, and direct reports.
- A view of yourself as others see you – so that you can build upon your strengths and minimize areas of weakness.
- Greater satisfaction from work.
- Improved balance between work and home life.
- Discovery of untapped skills and talents – so you can make full use of them.
- Better business and career path decisions.
- Accelerated leadership skills development.
It’s a wise move to invest in a coach or mentor. Finding a coach is easy; finding one with the skills, background, and personality that’s right for you is another matter. At a minimum, expect the following qualifications:
- Able to quickly establish rapport and develop a trusting, positive relationship.
- An effective communicator.
- Unafraid to confront you with constructive feedback.
- Both approachable and available.
- Has a sophisticated understanding of people and relationships.
- Respects the sensitive and confidential nature of the coaching relationship.