We all know how rich a learning experience can be when it’s interactive and you are able to participate fully. When you choose a mentor group, you will have the opportunity to coach, be coached and be mentored.

The benefits of mentor coaching may be obvious, but in addition, here’s what we’ve discovered from many years of mentoring coaches. Much of the learning takes place during the observation process. This is the bonus and maybe the best-kept secret about group mentoring. The observing you will experience is powerful and gives you a fresh perspective about your own coaching.

Why is this so? What is it about observation that helps you integrate what you are learning in a new way? Maybe because it’s not about you and so you can have a different and more objective perspective than when you are “in the spotlight.” You can listen vs. perform.

When observing, you also get to hear other styles and your mentor’s feedback. From this, you gain new tools and ideas to use in your own coaching.

The camaraderie that is available to group members deepens the learning as you cheer each other on.

You observe your colleagues’ progress, and you in turn feel supported by your peers. It’s a give and take that produces powerful results.

Consider joining a group the next time you’re looking for professional development and mentoring. We think this is the very best way to grow your coaching.

And, if you would like to join one of our mentor groups, we would love to have you! Click here to learn more about Group Mentoring with Sheri and Jamee.