Your Answer: Yes
In light of your answer, some things for you to think about: Do you know what qualities you would like that person to exhibit? Many people
say that their mentor just “showed up” in their lives – usually as a boss. If that happens, you get the person, with all their strengths and all their
weaknesses, and hopefully you accept their guidance in the areas where you are confident they are strong!
If you go looking for a mentor in the form of an Executive Coach, though, you get to choose:
- Do you want a person who can share the hard-won wisdom of someone who's been through it, when you encounter new challenges, and apply that wisdom to
your specific circumstances?
- Do you want proven ideas about how to deal with politics in your workplace?
- Would you benefit from insights from research and practical experience that will help you become a better leader?
- Do you want a listening ear?
- Should you develop a greater ability to handle criticism?
- Do you need someone to support you in making difficult decisions?
- Or, do you want someone who will keep you on track toward doing what you said you want to do, even when the going gets rough?
Being clear about what you want will help you choose the best possible Executive Coach for you.
How Lenann Stacks Up:
I've been mentoring for over 23 years, and it's some of the most gratifying work I do. I am a great believer in the value of having a confidante, having
been mentored very well myself. It's vitally important to have someone who's on your side and “pulling for you” always – but someone who also isn't
afraid to point out weaknesses, and to share a different point of view.
My attitude, when coaching, is that we're both adults. You've hired me to listen, to encourage, to stay on top of what you said you want, and to make sure
you do what you say you will. I assume that, if you want my advice, you will ask for it. If I feel very strongly about something and feel compelled
to advise, I do my best to ask you, first, whether you would like my opinion! That said, though, I’ve learned that many people find it helpful
for me to outline the range of possibilities about how they might handle the situations they’re in – and many ask me for Best Practices,
which are the ways of handling situations like the one you are now in, that have been most successful for other people.
Your Answer: No
If you don't want a mentor, yet you are taking a quiz on an Executive Coaching website, what do you want? Are you clear about the value of an Executive Coach, or is the whole idea rather murky?
Here's a thought: Decide what sort of person you would want to chat with – maybe weekly, every-other-week, or monthly – who would not only give you a confidential
outlet for your frustrations and disappointments, but also support in moving toward your short- as well as longer-term goals. What sort of personality
should this person have? What types of accomplishments? And what structure or approach to conversations would be most useful to you?