Sometimes the best thing we can do to help ourselves is invest in helping others. In the past year and a half, I’ve been advising and coaching CEOs and C-suite leaders. I can say without a doubt that it has also helped me grow as a leader.

Here are some of the benefits of coaching and mentoring to the coach/mentor:

1. Distill My Thinking

Guiding another person is one of the best ways to solidify and refine one’s skills. It often requires breaking down complex topics into understandable components, reinforcing the coach’s understanding. In the past year, I advised many companies and wrote a book. Both activities helped me distill my thinking and views on many subjects.

2. Continuous Learning

No two individuals are the same. Adapting to the unique needs, learning styles, and aspirations of different mentees or coachees ensures that the mentor or coach is always learning and adapting.

3. Broadened Perspective

Engaging with mentees or coachees from different backgrounds or with different viewpoints exposes the mentor or coach to diverse perspectives, which can challenge their assumptions and expand their worldview.

4. Personal Gratification & Motivation

Witnessing the growth and success of someone you’ve coached or mentored is deeply rewarding.

5. Additional Benefits

In her book Women Mentoring Women, Michelle Ferguson, the Mentoring Diva and my Chief colleague, explores the benefits of mentoring in more detail. Some of the benefits she lists include:

• Battle imposter syndrome
• Gain confidence
• Discover new strengths/interests
• Learn from your mentee
• Expand your network
• Sparking joy
• Be seen as a finder of great talent
• Manage burnout
• Rethink everything
• Accountability

Mentoring or Coaching?

So which way to go: mentoring or coaching?

• Mentoring is an informal and long-term relationship based on sharing experience and knowledge.
• Coaching is a structured and short-term partnership based on guiding the client to find their own solutions to predefined goals.

Personally, I am more inclined towards coaching, but both are good ways to help others.