Mentor Coaching: Three things to consider

Several months ago, an article I wrote on Mentor Coaching, was published in Choice Magazine. Entitled "Mentor Coaching: Developing Your Muscle and Refining your Craft" (Choice Volume 10, Number 3, September 2013). You can download a copy of the article here at our Resources page.

For many years now I have supported coaches through the ICF credentialing process, as well as CPCC certification. It is always a pleasure to see coaches sharpen their skills and develop further clarity about their work - where their strengths lay, where they are going, and where they want to focus.

Things you will want to consider with mentor coaching:

1. Individual or group? For several years now I have offered Mentor Coaching Groups involving a maximum of 4-6 coaches. The feedback from participants is that they really enjoy the group process, and being exposed to different coaching styles, approaches and techniques. For many coaches they feel that they get the best of both worlds as we have an opportunity to take a deep individual dive in three one-hour individual mentor coaching sessions, and then look expansively at the core coaching competencies with peers, through a broader lens.

For those going for a credential or certification the first time, individual mentor coaching has definite benefits in provding a much deeper level of focus on your skills and direction.

Which approach will support you best, at this stage in your coaching evolution?

2. Background of the Mentor Coach - What are you looking for in your mentor coach? What particular type of experience do you want them to bring? Some of the considerations here might include - experience in working with a particular type of client group, offering a specific type of coaching services (i.e. individual, team, group, family, relationship coaching), or experience in using specific coahing models or resources.

What is the background you are looking for from a mentor coach?

3. Mentor Coach experience and understanding of the core coaching competencies - For those renewing their ICF credential, or undertaking the portfolio route, the mentor coaching process should take a deep look at the ICF core coaching competencies. How familiar is the mentor coach with these? How familiar are they with the gradients from level to level (ACC, PCC, MCC)? What experience have they had in training and supervising other coaches? What is their track-record with supporting coaches successfully through the portfolio route?

What other considerations are important for you in selecting a mentor coach?

The International Coach Federation also has some exceptional resources around the mentor coaching process. I would encourage you to check out their website.

With best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
GroupCoachingEssentials 
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: (416)996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Upcoming Mentor Coaching Groups (max 4-6 coaches) will run from May 10 - August 9 (Fridays 9-10am Eastern/New York: Group Calls May 10, 17, 31, June 7, 14, July 26 and August 9) and July 10 - October 9 (Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 am Eastern/New York). Click here for more information and to reserve your spot. The program includes 7 hours of small group mentor coaching calls, three hours of individual mentor coaching calls, and module notes for each group call. The program is geared for ACC renewals, as well as ACC and PCC portfolio route candidates.