MENTORSHIP – TRY IT, LOVE IT!

Throughout history, many have benefited from learning at the hands of someone else that has gone through a similar journey.

Robin had Batman. The Karate Kid had Mr. Miyagi. Scotty Bowman had Toe Blake.

These are just a few of some great examples of a Mentor – Apprentice relationship.

Coaching is no different, as those with years of experience and knowledge are able to mentor those just entering into coaching or looking to fine tune their abilities.

Mentorship is an accelerated learning strategy. A good mentor will assist the coach to reflect on and make sense of his or her own coaching experiences because of their proficiency, know-how and coaching skills in the sport. A mentor is a critical friend, asking questions about decisions, behaviors and actions to promote critical thinking; allowing a coach to take responsibility for his or her own growth.

Mentorship programs for coaching set program goals, schedules, training and evaluation based on the needs of the apprentice. Together the mentor and apprentice will focus on the coaches’ behavior, internal thinking, and decision-making in an effort to build strong problem solving abilities.

Coaches working with mentors are able to discuss and reflect on choices or actions they have taken. From there they can look at improving the ways they make decisions. Engagement and alteration of thought and perception is how coaches cognitively grow.

Mentorship programs are designed to promote and assist development of great coaches, but also to create a legacy that includes future mentors. Getting involved in a coaching mentorship program is a great way to develop as a coach or to pass down useful knowledge and tools to those that want to learn. There are many great mentorship programs currently being offered throughout Manitoba. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor or would like to learn more, we strongly encourage you to contact your sport organization.

“It is only when we develop others that we permanently succeed.”

Here is a great example of a mentorship program currently operating in our province: www.hockeymanitoba.mb.ca/coach.php

For any additional information on Mentorship programs contact: tomhammond@sport.mb.ca.