One of the
keys to success is to have a mentor or coach.
I know that starting a new position within a company can be very nerve
racking at first. Having a person there
to show you the ropes, guide and support you and provide pertinent knowledge
for your success can make the introductory process much easier. Being in a mentoring or coaching relationship
creates a nonthreatening and supportive learning environment. It also facilitates professional growth and
improved performance (Hauser, 2009).
It is
difficult to succeed without a mentor and in the long run can take longer to
achieve success (Ayinde, n.d.). Having a mentor provides you with the
experience, knowledge, encouragement and support of a tenured individual. In
addition to acting as a support, they can also act as a “sounding board” of
which you can share ideas or strategies (Ayinde, n.d.). As Ayinde explains “it is when we follow in
the footsteps of those who have gone before us that we can make rapid progress”
(n.d.). A mentoring relationship also
builds up levels of self-confidence which may be essential for individuals with
low self-esteem.
This
synergistic relationship between a mentor and mentee is not only beneficial for
the individuals but also the company. An
organization is only as successful as the employees who work within it. It is in the best interest of the company
that all employees are working to their fullest potential. Mentoring and coaching provides the key for
success. Mentors benefit from the
relationship because mentors can be influenced by the attitudes
of a younger
generation and gain a fresher perspective (Ayinde, n.d.). They also benefit from this relationship
because it allows them the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success
of another individual. This in itself is
rewarding. Mentoring also offers a sense of accomplishment and boosts
self-esteem.
Coaches
offer more specified attention to the roles of the individual within the organization.
An employee or leader looking to change
or improve their roles would benefit significantly from a coach. Whether an employee wants to grow as a leader,
move into a higher position or “prepare financially for a comfortable
retirement” a coach can provide the know-how and guidance to move towards these
goals (Hauser, 2009, p. 8). As Hauser
explains, coaches provide the strategic insight and motivation to help an
individual enhance their performance (2009). On a personal level, coaches help individuals expand
their awareness on their own strengths and talents so they can leverage this to
towards their success.
In the
end, one of the strongest impacts I think that coaches and mentors have on
individuals is the availability of feedback. Feedback is one of the most useful and
effective strategies towards improvement. Constructive criticism and feedback are
necessary for self-growth and an essential element for self-improvement.
References
Hauser, Laura.
"Evidence-based coaching: A case study." n. page. Web. 27 Sep. 2013.
<http://lsiltd.com/pdfs/evidence-based-coaching.pdf>.
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