How can Coaching & Mentoring professionals adapt to new technology?

I think the first question to ask is whether you need new technology in your coaching/mentoring work. And if you do, are you open to it or resisting it? If you are somewhat reluctant, then how much are you willing to budge? What about your clients? Do they prefer face-to-face individual coaching/mentoring to virtual (individual/group) coaching/mentoring?

Explore various online platforms such as webinars, forums, and social media groups to connect with peers, share insights, and stay updated on the latest trends in coaching and mentoring.

Online platforms can be energizing opportunities for collaboration, connection and learning when integrated into a coaching and/or mentoring approach that is inclusive. That requires deeply thinking through every aspect of the client experience from onboarding to orientation to peer community building to learning to program completion and post-program connection. Success with online platforms occurs when you align your coaching and/or mentoring approach to the learning/coaching outcomes offered so that the coaching/mentoring is delivered in a way that’s personalized to each client/learner. Adapting to online platforms starts with understanding the functionality of the platform and then asking yourself “How can I customize this?”

En effet, l'utilisation de plateformes en ligne dans le domaine du coaching professionnel offre de nombreuses opportunités. Mais elle nécessite une approche réfléchie et une adaptation aux nouvelles réalités technologiques. La clé réside dans la compréhension des besoins de nos clients et dans la délivrance d’un service de qualité. Celles et ceux qui vont utiliser les derniers outils, notamment en lien avec l’intelligence artificielle, seront avantagés.

Embrace digital tools and software that streamline coaching and mentoring processes, enhance communication with clients, and facilitate virtual sessions, making interactions more efficient and effective.

What also works great for me is a shared Calendly or Zencal calendar combined with, for example, payment for the service. Because it shortens the organizational process and increases productivity. However, I use online meetings mainly for existing clients. Good knowledge of a person and his or her emotional reactions is crucial. Fears, uncertainty, doubts, misunderstanding are hard to see when you only see the mentee's head, and in a resolution far from what the human eye can see during a face-to-face meeting:) at least it's not enough for me.

J’ai la chance d’avoir une formation en informatique et d’être à l’aise avec les différents outils. Pour moi, c’est un vrai gain de temps et d’énergie au quotidien sachant utiliser les bons outils pour réaliser les taches spécifiques. J’utilise par exemple Google Agenda (connecté à Calendly) pour la gestion du temps, Canva pour la publication sur les réseaux sociaux, CapCut pour le montage vidéo, Evernote pour la prise de notes, Brevo pour l’envoie des emailings et bien d’autres encore. A l’inverse, je peux comprendre les non-initiés qui peuvent être perdus dans le vaste choix des solutions proposées.

Engage actively in online communities and forums dedicated to coaching and mentoring professionals, where you can exchange ideas, seek advice, and collaborate with peers from around the world.

L'échange avec d'autres professionnels du coaching sur LinkedIn (plateforme de réseau professionnel reconnue) est primordial pour le développement de mon activité. Il va au-delà de la simple expansion de mon réseau. Cela crée une synergie collective, renforce mon positionnement et mon expertise sur le marché et contribue à l'enrichissement professionnel mutuel. Il ne faut pas hésiter à créer également à créer du contenu, et à commenter les publications des collègues coach.

"Adapting to new technologies" inspires us to not only learn about new technologies but also to try them out. Try something, reflect on it, repeat. Many digital tools have a free trial period. Find one and try it out. Consider what you liked or didn't like about the experience and if you can see the benefit. Then pick another tool and try something else. Just make sure to cancel subscriptions to unused tools before the free trial ends!

Apparently, curiosity is one of the things that keeps the brain in good condition for the longest time. It's not even about productivity in business, it's about mental fitness and contact with children and grandchildren in old age... pure selfishness ;D

In my experience, just experimenting with new tools, approaches and ways of working will give you enough surface-level knowledge to be able to evaluate which new technologies are worthwhile investing time and energy in. Set aside some time each week/month to try something new - park your apprehension and just play around with things. Dipping your toes into something will provide you with volumes more insight and appreciation of new technologies than reading about or researching them. Create your own insights - don't rely on the opinions of others!

It’s helpful to address any fears around adopting specific technology. Instead of asking “What’s my mindset around technology?”, ask “What resistance comes up for me when I think about using ChatGPT?” By facing fears about a specific technology, you can do two things- 1) Reflect on the source of your fear and 2) Debunk the fear by learning how to use that specific technology… and then reassessing your feelings about it.

When we think about mentoring and coaching, we often think about someone older, more experienced being the mentor or coach. However, when it comes to new technology, topics of social media marketing, maximizing the benefits of platforms like Linkedin, etc, sometimes younger employees could be the coach and mentor to their older colleagues or even their bosses. This is reverse mentoring. However, older leaders might find it uncomfortable reaching out to younger employees for help. If the leader of an organization takes the lead to receive reverse mentoring, it would encourage other colleagues to do so. Then you would create a culture where not only the older mentors the younger, but also opportunities for the younger to mentor elders.

Coaching & Mentoring professionals can adapt to new technology by continuously learning about emerging tools, integrating virtual coaching platforms, exploring AI and chatbots, utilizing data analytics, maintaining a strong digital presence, and participating in online courses and virtual networking. Embracing adaptability, ensuring cybersecurity awareness, and incorporating client management systems enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the digital coaching landscape.