Learning from coaches and mentors is one of the best ways to develop your skills, achieve your goals, and grow as a professional. But how do you find and use the right resources to learn from them? In this article, we will explore some of the most common and effective resources that you can use to learn from coaches and mentors, and how to apply them to your own situation.
One of the easiest and most accessible resources to learn from coaches and mentors are books and podcasts. Books and podcasts can provide you with valuable insights, tips, stories, and frameworks from successful coaches and mentors in different fields and industries. You can choose books and podcasts that match your interests, challenges, and aspirations, and learn from them at your own pace and convenience. To make the most of books and podcasts, you should take notes, reflect on the key points, and try to implement the ideas and strategies that resonate with you.
It would be important for a professional to consider the quality of the materials they use as resources as not all resources offer value and may even contain inaccurate or misleading content. In addition to the learning resources mentioned, for a coach or mentor to grow as a professional it is strongly recommended that a coach / mentor belongs to a recognised professional body for example the International Coaching Federation (ICF), The European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) or the Association of Coaching (AC). These bodies have stringent guidelines and standards, offering continuous learning and education opportunities and platforms. Another resource for coach / mentors would be from a qualified coach / mentor supervisor.
Podcasts, books and hiring a coach. Examples: Oprah, Mel Robbins, Robin Sharma, T. D. Jakes. What helped me the most was to listen to them while running. Incredible motivation!
Another resource that you can use to learn from coaches and mentors are online courses and programs. Online courses and programs can offer you a more structured and interactive way of learning from coaches and mentors, as they often include videos, quizzes, assignments, feedback, and community support. You can find online courses and programs that cover various topics and skills related to coaching and mentoring, such as communication, leadership, motivation, goal setting, and problem solving. To make the most of online courses and programs, you should commit to completing them, participate in the discussions, ask questions, and apply what you learn to your own context.
A third resource that you can use to learn from coaches and mentors are blogs and newsletters. Blogs and newsletters can provide you with fresh and relevant content from coaches and mentors, as they often share their latest insights, experiences, and advice on various aspects of coaching and mentoring. You can subscribe to blogs and newsletters that interest you, and read them regularly to stay updated and inspired. To make the most of blogs and newsletters, you should engage with the authors, comment on their posts, share your feedback, and follow their recommendations.
A fourth resource that you can use to learn from coaches and mentors are webinars and events. Webinars and events can give you a more dynamic and interactive way of learning from coaches and mentors, as they often involve live presentations, Q&A sessions, networking opportunities, and practical exercises. You can find webinars and events that suit your schedule, budget, and learning objectives, and join them to learn from experts and peers in coaching and mentoring. To make the most of webinars and events, you should prepare in advance, take notes, ask questions, connect with other attendees, and follow up on the action steps.
A fifth resource that you can use to learn from coaches and mentors are coaching and mentoring sessions . Coaching and mentoring sessions can offer you a more personalized and tailored way of learning from coaches and mentors, as they often involve one-on-one or group conversations, feedback, guidance, and support. You can find coaches and mentors that match your needs, goals, and preferences, and work with them to improve your skills, overcome your challenges, and achieve your outcomes. To make the most of coaching and mentoring sessions, you should be clear about your expectations, be open and honest, be willing to learn and change, and take action on the suggestions and plans.
A sixth resource that you can use to learn from coaches and mentors are peer groups and communities. Peer groups and communities can provide you with a more collaborative and supportive way of learning from coaches and mentors, as they often involve mutual learning, sharing, feedback, and accountability. You can join peer groups and communities that align with your values, interests, and goals, and learn from the experiences, perspectives, and best practices of other coaches and mentors. To make the most of peer groups and communities, you should be active and engaged, contribute value, seek and offer help, and celebrate successes.
Another great resource is professional organizations. I have found that professional organizations like the association of Latino professionals for America (ALPFA) has been a very meaningful platform to learn from mentors and coaches. And the learning takes multiple shapes, such as national conventions, workshops, webinars, local networking, events, and meaningful opportunities to create relationships with those mentors and coaches.