Short term mentoring and coaching can really boost your career.
The best mentoring relationships last for years. But if you have a short term problem and need help now, the answer may come from a few short sessions with a professional, or someone more senior in your industry.
Ideal situations for micro mentoring or coaching include short term problems or immediate opportunities. Whatever the situation, a short term relationship can provide relevant advice and tips to set the candidates and employees up for success.
It’s important to understand that coaches are paid professionals and mentors are typically senior members of the same industry or profession who have insights to share.
Ideal situations for micro mentoring or coaching include short term problems or immediate opportunities.
Career coach Michelle Mearns, director at coaching service TruePoint, was recently called on by a client who knew she had experience running businesses. Over six sessions, Mearns assisted her client by providing professional and personal advice, direction, and clarity, allowing the client to successfully launch an international business of her own.
Mearns says it’s not unusual for her to handle short term coaching assignments, and she occasionally mentors colleagues to give them an alternative perspective. The sessions vary in frequency and time, depending on her mentees’ needs.
For short term coaching or mentoring to work, both parties should consider the following points:
Finally, never be afraid to ask for help. Even top CEOs know they can benefit from sharing their problems and learning to be better at what they do through coaching. So, if getting ahead in your career or personal life is one of this year’s resolutions, look for opportunities to be coached or mentored.