When it comes to being successful, investing in yourself is paramount. Often, this looks like hiring a coach or mentor and seeking training or counseling. But what are the differences between these self-help approaches? And why do we think you need each one to really realize your success? This blog seeks to explain each method and illuminate the reasons these resources are vital to your success.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a process that aims to improve performance and focuses on the here and now. It allows learning from the past, while creating a desired and empowered future. Coaching unlocks a person’s purest potential to maximize their performance so they can understand how to operate at a state of excellence. A great coach believes that individuals always have the answers to their own problems but may need help finding those answers. In many cases, it’s a development-focused relationship. 1:1 coaching is a relationship between a single coach and a client and typically happens over a predetermined amount of time at specifically set intervals. Before coaching sessions even begin, these factors will be determined so that you can reach measurable goals and outcomes. Each session will have a specific focus set by you and your coach, designed to meet a specific need. Your coach will work as a mirror and reflect back a reality you don’t always want to see, but will certainly appreciate.
You may also work with a coach in a group setting. Group coaching is when each individual is working towards their own success while learning collectively in a group facilitated by a coach. In order for group coaching to be successful, there should be fewer than ten people in the group, there must be a common thread among participants, and all participants must be open and engaged.
Regardless of what type of coaching you engage in, a coach will help you become an entrepreneur who is programmed for success. They will help you maintain an undeniable, unshakeable belief in yourself and your dreams.
How does coaching differ from training?
Having a coach differs significantly from teaching and training, as that involves an expert trainer who simply shares knowledge with their students. Although the best trainers use interactive techniques, there is an imbalance of knowledge, with the teacher being the expert and holding the correct answers. This differs from a coach who knows you hold the right answers and they are there to help you illuminate them.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is a guide who helps someone to learn or develop faster than they might on their own. A mentoring relationship focuses on the future, career development, and broadening an individual’s horizons. They seek answers to the “what” questions, which later you can work through with a coach to design how you will execute plans to meet your goals with action steps.
How is a mentor different from a counselor?
A mentor’s role differs from the role a counselor might take on in your life, as counseling is more of a therapeutic intervention. It focuses on helping an individual overcome barriers and issues from their past and move on. They will discuss why certain things happened and what they resulted in so that you can use prior knowledge and experience to move forward as a more informed participant in your life and journey toward success.
For you to see the success you want and deserve, we believe you need to address the what, why, and how. Each of these facets of your development will lead you to a greater understanding of how you can take hold of your life and control the success you bring, and you may need different support at different parts of your journey to getting everything you want and desire in your business and personal life. If you are looking for a mentor, coach, counseling, or training, reach out to us today.