What are some of the key benefits of coaching and mentoring for personal growth?

Additionally, many coaches lead you through specialized exercises that help you create a plan and gain confidence in your decisions. They can also make sure that you are moving forward in ways that are aligned with your personal vision or purpose by giving specific feedback, creating actionable steps, and providing accountability.

Coaching is about growing yourself. Many of my clients hire me as a coach because they know they have untapped potential. Often times, I find that the potential is untapped because their energies are not focused. They are doing too many things that distract them from their goals. In a world of multi-tasking, having a vision, hiring a coach to help you refine it and identify practical, measurable steps to reach it, and staying lazer-focused will set you apart.

This is where focusing on your mindset and practicing mindfulness is especially impactful. These are just some of the ways that coaches can help you accelerate your progress and reach your goals quicker.

There’s only one you and you are here for a reason. John Maxwell says it best, “You have to see value in yourself to add value to yourself.” As a personal and professional leadership coach, I start with getting to understand my clients’ unique gifts and qualities. Sometimes, they are naturally gifted in an area where they only see limitations. People can be really hard on themselves. One value in having a coach is that the coach is not comparing you to anyone else as you might compare yourself to others. The coach is about helping you see your true worth so you can add value to yourself.

To maximize growth, you absolutely need a growth plan. Without one, you may not be able to see how far you’ve come and will not have a consistent way to measure success. A coach/mentor can help you identify whether your time is being spent in the right place to meet your goals. He/she will help to keep you on track.

I agree, I would also add to sponsor into the mix. Find a Sponsor who would be willing to help you put upur best foot forward. A sponsor is someone who will advocate when you’re in and out of the office. They will influence connections and create opportunities for you. Find someone that is willing to be your sponsor and help you in your search for growth.

In my experience as a leader in the Navy during twenty years of service, and thirteen years as a technical leader in the defense industry; the best coaches and mentors that I have known, have focused on taking action on creating solid standard operating procedures and consistently improving them, but also paying attention when non-standard actions and intervention were needed. This particular trait of staying on focused task is evidence of dedication to the mission and team, and is the best example of a great leader.

In my experience, working with a coach will bring you many "aha" moments. You will gain insights and perspectives that you may not have realized on your own. They meet you where you are at on your journey, create a safe zone free from judgement, and accelerate your progress so that you can attain whatever your goals are.