Being a coach or mentor

Coaching and mentoring can help learners develop their skills and knowledge. They can also help learners to explore critical thinking, decision making and a more self directed learning approach.

Support reflection through coaching and mentoring
Support reflection through coaching and mentoring

Coaching

Coaching provides learners with personalised support and guidance that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. This can be especially valuable in a clinical setting. Through coaching, educators can help learners identify areas of weakness and develop strategies to overcome them.

Mentoring

Mentoring, on the other hand, can provide learners with a more holistic and long-term support system. Mentors can serve as role models and provide guidance on a wide range of issues. This includes career development, personal growth and professional development. They can also provide valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences.

Versatile and adaptable approaches

It’s important to note that both coaching and mentoring can be highly personalised approaches.

A support worker is struggling to effectively communicate with patients and is feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their role

You could work with them one-on-one to develop specific communication skills, such as active listening and empathetic language. You could also provide feedback and support as they practise these skills in real-world situations.

A student is having difficulty understanding complex concepts and is struggling to keep up in their placements

You could work with them to identify specific areas of weakness and develop a personalised study plan to help them better understand and retain the material.

A support worker is considering specialising in a particular area and is seeking advice on what steps to take

You could provide insight into the training and experience required, as well as the pros and cons of that particular career path.

The GROW model

The GROW model is a widely used framework for coaching that can be applied in a variety of settings. It is a structured approach that helps coaches and learners work together to identify goals and develop a plan of action.

  1. Goal: The coach and learner work together to identify specific, achievable goals that the learner wants to work towards. These goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).
  2. Reality: The coach helps the learner assess their current situation and identify any challenges that may impact their ability to reach their goals. This step involves asking questions and helping the learner understand their current reality.
  3. Options: The coach helps the learner explore a range of strategies for reaching their goals. This step involves brainstorming and encouraging creative thinking to help the learner consider different approaches.
  4. Way forward: The coach helps the learner develop a plan of action that includes specific steps and milestones. The learner should be actively involved in this process, as they are the ones who will be implementing the plan.

By using the GROW model, coaches can help learners set and work towards meaningful goals. It is a structured and effective approach that can be customised to meet the specific needs and goals of each learner.

Read this

The North West Leadership Academy has a wealth of resources to support the development of Coaches and Mentors in the NHS in the North West and also offers coaching and mentoring opportunities.There is a good resource on coaching for personal tutors by Imperial College London and your own organisation will have plenty of resources and training available if you want to develop your skills further.

Watch this

Dr Rangan Chatterjee: The NUMBER ONE Key To Being Happy | E110

Some great tips and ideas from an NHS Doctor who has great insight into what will have an impact mentoring and coaching in health. Lots of ideas to take away.