Mentoring and Coaching

Coaching and mentoring are both methods of facilitating the performance, learning and development of another.

The Industrial Society

MENTORING

Mentoring involves developing a medium to long term relationship, often as a complement to other training and development opportunities available to an individual. The work I do as a mentor often provides the critical edge to bring people to the point of implementing their own goals and objectives and following these through. In this context I provide a sounding board for ideas. I challenge assertions and often offer contrasting perspectives. Mentoring work provides a creative space for the development of new ideas and for gaining an objective distance on existing situations. It can also provide an external perspective on organisational culture and dynamics.

COACHING

Coaching offers the chance to work with people on specific issues. I can build coaching sessions around a particular task or need, often around a particular work role. This involves the sharing of skills and experience. Coaching support is often short term, in some cases as brief as four sessions. A focused approach has proven effective for recipients in a range of situations including:

Managing a transition.
Returning to work after a period of absence.
Making a career change.
Managing a complaint process.

GETTING STARTED

If you are interested in working with me, I would meet with you initially and find out about your background, interests and motivation in seeking mentoring or coaching. I would explore what you wanted from the relationship and talk through important ground rules including issues of confidentiality. I discuss your preferred learning style[s] and consider how these might be used to best effect. We then create a 'contract' or clear agreement on our respective roles, responsibilities and purpose.

Your contract may need to include a consideration of your organisation's needs.

I always evaluate outcomes through a discussion of what was learnt and what personal/professional development needs have been met.

PROJECTS INCLUDE

Mentoring individuals within the County Council and the NHS Trust.

Coaching middle managers within a charitable organisation.