The Great British Mentoring Show

It is that time of year again. Yes, it is the end of this year’s Great British Bakeoff and an in-tents (get it?!) time in our household as my wife and I vigorously debate the merits and likelihood of who will go to the finale and win the bragging rights (we both agree it’ll be Dylan). What do 12 incredible bakers, two hilarious hosts, and a couple of vaunted judges have to do with mentoring?

One of my favorite discussions on mentoring is how mentoring differs from teaching and coaching. Teaching, Coaching, and Mentoring are all different; the distinctions are important. For instance, an instructor isn’t going to stop the class and start coaching or mentoring the student; a coach is focused on a specific skill set, and an executive coach looks to ask questions.

There is no give-and-take (reciprocity) or long-term developmental relationship in all of these situations. Teachers and coaches are focused on imparting knowledge to the learner; it is a one-way exchange of information and development.

Mentors, however, have that reciprocity, the two-way learning, and growth of both members.

So, what does that have to do with the most delicious and wholesome show, the Great British Baking Show?

Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith serve as judges on the show. Judges are limited in the advice and knowledge they can impart to the bakers. However, 12 eager bakers take to the tent throughout ten weeks to show off their skills and try to become Britain’s greatest baker.

Throughout these ten weeks, the bakers have learned and grown as bakers and people. This is mainly due to having to study and learn more about their passion (baking) but also because through the conversations, the judging, and the experience, Paul and Prue can impart lessons to the bakers about how their bake went well or how they could have improved.

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Through these interactions, the bakers also impart their recipes, ideas, and wisdom to Paul and Prue. Whether it is a daring new combination of flavors, an heirloom family recipe, or just a good old life lesson, the exchange is both ways.

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So whether my wife or I are right in our baker bracket at the end of the season, everyone on Bakeoff at least gets sent home with some incredible baking mentorship.

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As we go throughout our day or week, here are some questions to reflect on:

Who is your pick for the GBBO winner?

How can you turn competition into a mentoring moment?

Is your organization so focused on outcomes that the mutual development in the oven is forgotten?

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