“I’ve got your back.” Coaches and Mentors.

When it comes to guidance, coaches have expertise while mentors have experience. But which one is right for you? And how can you find someone who will truly have your back?

MENTORS

Healthcare mentors are usually senior healthcare professionals who offer their valuable experience to help you grow over time. These relationships are often informal and can be found within your organization, through professional organizations, or by connecting with peers who have more experience. Developing these relationships can take time, and don't hesitate to formally ask someone to be your mentor. It's a compliment, and if they can't commit, they should let you know. Remember, this is someone you'll be spending time with, so make sure you like them.

COACHES

If you need to develop a specific skill set, such as how to impact change or how to determine your next healthcare role, a coach may be the right choice. Similar to a teacher or coach in school, coaches help you identify your goals and develop solutions to achieve them. They help you get "unstuck" quickly, and the value is in becoming "actionable" around a specific near-term goal. Some coaches don't need healthcare experience to provide valuable insights, in fact, an alternative perspective can be helpful.

I've had informal mentors who provided guidance and advice. For example, a VP of Sales at a technology company encouraged me to move into sales and view the role as an opportunity to double my income, paying for my children's college education. I knew him for over ten years and often asked for his guidance.  I never asked for a formal mentoring relationship, but his influence was very impactful in my healthcare career over time.

I've also had a formal coaching relationship to improve my leadership skills. I hired a professional coach to keep the learning separate from my workplace. This allowed me to develop my skills without disclosing my career goals to my immediate supervisor before I was ready. I learned to lead, evaluate my direct reports, and work with HR. I then used these skills in my interview for a leadership role and later to develop my team.

Both relationships provided value and advanced my career.

If you can find someone with both expertise and experience, you have a "MentorCoach." They can share wisdom and guidance based on their experience, while facilitating your personal and professional development through structured conversations and goal setting. A "MentorCoach" will have your back and support you in your journey longer-term as you develop.

Whether you are looking for specific skill enhancement, leadership mentoring, technology understanding or career pathway development, determine whether a mentor, coach or “MentorCoach” will be the best match and get started. Advancing toward your goals with someone who “has your back” will make these next steps, less stressful. Finally, don’t forget to give back and think of who may need your help as a coach or mentor in the future.

POM's top three MentorCoach focus areas for 2024 include:

·      Career Advancement

·      Professional Networking

·      Accountability

For more information, head to our "MentorCoaching" page or email us at info@POMwomen.com.