How can you manage your workload and learning while mentoring and coaching?

I'm a strong believer in giving back to the community in as many ways as possible. One of my favorite ways to pay it forward is through coaching and mentoring others. I always make it a point to sit with my mentee before embarking on this journey to discuss mentee's goals and expectations from this relationship. It also presents a great opportunity to iron out things like how often we can meet, duration of our meetings, format of meetings(virtual/in-person) and feedback preference. I usually meet with my long-term mentee once every month for 60 minutes over a WebEx call but if there is a lot of workload for either of us, we break that up into two meetings of 30 minutes each to avoid burnout and scheduling conflicts.

Balancing mentoring and coaching with my own workload has been a rewarding yet demanding journey. I've found that planning and prioritizing tasks are key. It's like creating a roadmap for your day. I rely on a trusty to-do list that keeps me on track, ensuring I meet my commitments without compromising on quality. Tools like calendars and Kanban boards help me visualize my workload and make adjustments as needed. I've embraced techniques like time blocking, which helps me dive deep into one task at a time and the Pomodoro method to stay focused and minimize distractions. It's a fine art, but with the right strategies, it's definitely manageable.

I’ve always benefitted from mentoring individuals across different geographies, gender and age groups. Being a mentor need not be something that takes away from your time. In fact it’s an opportunity for you to learn and keep abreast of how the workplace is shaping up and can be part of the time you would usually allot to learning . I was heading the generational diversity employee network in one of my previous organisations and it gave me huge insight into how the younger generation thinks which helped me better understand and manage my own team and the their team. The workplace is evolving into a flatter more egalitarian platform and mentees are nothing but coworkers that give you an opportunity to learn from them!

Here's what I keep in mind: - Initiate Early Feedback. Start the feedback dialogue from day one. - Create Safe Spaces. Ensure a non-judgmental environment for honest discussions. - Check-ins. Have brief feedback moments post-sessions. - Use Tools That work For You. I like 360-degree feedback for insights. - Connect with fellow mentors for diverse perspectives. - Stay Open. Approach critiques with a learning mindset. Everybody likes to think they are open minded when in reality we all have biases. - Reflect & Adjust. Act on feedback for continuous improvement. - Celebrate Small Wins. Acknowledge progress to maintain morale.

Mentoring isn't just about guiding others, it's a continuous learning curve for the mentor too. Here's what to consider: - Tap into Resources. Regularly consult books, courses, podcasts, and blogs to keep pace with industry shifts. - Self-reflect. Periodic introspection can spotlight areas for improvement. (The most important in my opinion). - Seek Feedback. Colleagues offer fresh insights on methodologies, helping refine approaches. - Certifications. They not only validate but introduce new industry standards. As you guide mentees, ensure you're also evolving. In mentoring, teaching and learning go hand in hand.

Efficient time management is crucial. Need to Create a schedule or to-do list to allocate specific time blocks for work, learning, mentoring, and coaching. Need to Integrate learning into our daily routine. Dedicate specific time for learning, whether it’s reading, taking courses, or staying updated in your field. Define achievable learning and coaching goals. This helps to stay motivated and ensures that we are making consistent progress. Learn to say no to additional tasks or commitments that might overwhelm you. It’s important to recognize our limitations. Determine our top priorities in both your work and learning. Focus on what’s most important and align our efforts accordingly.