Developing Others as Leaders

RESPONSE TO THESE TWO DISCUSSIONS:

JBurkman_4.2 Discussion: Coaching and Mentoring_

“A conceptual lack of clarity about what both coaching and mentoring are has practical implications for those seeking to use these skills and behaviors within work organizations” (Stokes et al., 2021, p. 142). Both are equally important in the development of leaders but hold different purposes, similar to the difference between training and development. “Without effective coaching and feedback, team members will struggle to work to their full potential and may struggle to meet expectations” (Middlebrooks et al., 2020, p. 188). Likewise, mentoring is equally crucial since mentors are knowledgeable and can share a plethora of information in the development process (Stokes et al., 2021, p. 145). From what I have witnessed within the military, coaching and mentoring develop a leader into a more effective and essential person within the organization. 

 Coaching and mentoring have many similarities and can be linked with some aspects associated with how they are used while developing leaders. “However, we argue that it is more likely for a performance-oriented relationship to be labeled as “coaching” but more likely for a growth/learning orientation relationship to be labeled as “mentoring” (Stokes et al., 2021, p. 147). Coaching is more similar to training, and mentoring is closer to development. For instance, coaching seems less personal like training, and mentoring is more relationship-based like development. Using both, we move forward with leadership development’s formal and informal aspects. 

The roles of coaches and mentors may differ, but they require trust between the leader and follower equally. A consultant or counselor is usually more impersonal, focused on the task, and less on relationships. “The key to the coaching experience for all instructors was building a relationship with students with trust, authenticity, and active listening” (Hinck, 2022, p. 27). Trust is the basis for relationships in all aspects of life. Just like trusting friends or family, once the foundation of trust has been violated, it is hard to earn that trust back. Therefore, trust is needed in any development through coaching and mentoring since most individuals will open up and respond more to leaders they trust and have an invested higher psychological safety. 

References

Hinck, J. M. (2022). Leadership coaching as a transformative process in the military. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, 20(1), 20–34.  https://doi.org/10.24384/6cf9-v073

Middlebrooks, A., Allen, S. J., McNutt, M. S., & Morrison, J. L. (2020). Discovering Leadership: Designing your success. SAGE.

Stokes, P., Fatien Diochon, P., & Otter, K. (2021). “Two sides of the same coin?” Coaching and mentoring and the agentic role of context. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1483(1), 142–152.  https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14316

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Latanya Richardson 4.2

When it comes to coaching and mentoring, I believe they make a significant impact on leadership development. If done correctly, it should provide support, advice, and growth for the colleague they are coaching or mentoring. The big difference when it comes to being a mentor and a coach is that when it comes to being a mentor is usually long-term instead of short like coaches. Mentors often turn into genuine friendships, whereas a coach focuses on performance. The similarities are that they both guide you into the potential growth of your career from their experience. However, coaching and mentoring shows future development by ensuring goals are reached and supporting them in their development to create change.

The roles of a consultant/counselor are different from coaching and mentoring. Because when a counselor sees you, they are protected by the law. It can be for the long term, usually generated by a medical reason. However, for a relationship to be effective between a coach/mentor, you have to be caring, approachable, genuine, and authentic. Trust is a big deal that impacts it, too, because you want the person guiding and advising you to give accurate advice that will support your growth.