How do you communicate effectively with coaches and mentors in your network?

1 Know your purpose

Before you reach out to a coach or mentor, be clear about what you want to achieve from the relationship. Do you need guidance on a specific project, career advice, or personal development? Having a clear purpose will help you find the right match, set realistic expectations, and communicate your needs and goals.

2 Respect their time

Coaches and mentors are often busy professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help others. Therefore, you should respect their time and availability, and avoid making unreasonable or frequent requests. Schedule your sessions in advance, be punctual, and prepare your questions and agenda beforehand. Also, express your gratitude and appreciation for their support.

3 Be open and honest

Effective communication with coaches and mentors requires openness and honesty. You should be willing to share your challenges, successes, and feedback, and listen to their insights and suggestions. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification, examples, or resources if you don't understand something. Also, don't hide or exaggerate your achievements or difficulties, as this will undermine the trust and value of the relationship.

4 Seek and give feedback

Feedback is essential for learning and improvement, and coaches and mentors can provide you with constructive and objective feedback on your performance, skills, and behavior. However, feedback is a two-way street, and you should also seek and give feedback to your coaches and mentors. Ask them how you can improve, what they think of your progress, and how they feel about the relationship. Also, share your opinions, observations, and suggestions on how they can help you better, and acknowledge their strengths and contributions.

5 Follow up and follow through

Communication with coaches and mentors doesn't end after a session. You should follow up with them to thank them, summarize the key points, and confirm the next steps. You should also follow through on your action plans, goals, and commitments, and update them on your results and challenges. This will show them that you value their input, take responsibility for your learning, and are serious about your development.

6 Review and reflect

Finally, you should review and reflect on your communication with coaches and mentors regularly. Evaluate the effectiveness, satisfaction, and outcomes of the relationship, and identify what works well and what needs improvement. You should also solicit feedback from your coaches and mentors on your communication skills, style, and frequency, and make adjustments accordingly. Reviewing and reflecting will help you enhance your communication, strengthen your relationship, and maximize your learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?