These past months I have had the honour of being a "coach" to someone new to the job. The role of a coach is to provide guidance to the trainee so that they can transition from the classroom to the floor, and to become a professional and proficient operator. The reality of that job, is so much more. Much like the trainee learns that what they have been taught in the classroom is only a fraction of what they do on the floor, so does the coach realise that actually being a coach is more than just doing paperwork and teaching how to use the computer and follow Standard Operating Procedures.
Being a coach has been one of the most rewarding and frustrating experiences, and I have learned a lot about myself. I have found that my trainees difficulties become mine, and I question my abilities and not theirs. I have learned that their successes are all theirs and, while I may have played a role, they got there all on their own. The look of frustration on their face as they struggle is mirrored on my own as I try to figure out some, as yet untried, strategy to make the learning process easier. Their sense of pride is met with silent relief that they have made it through and are moving forward.
What I have also, and maybe more importantly learned, is that being a mentor is less about teaching and more about guiding. What we, and they, have to remember is that the trainee knows their stuff!! What the trainee needs is someone to help them navigate the road map of being able to take that knowledge and put it into some semblance of order so it can be recalled at appropriate times. What they need is someone to build their confidence, and to assure them that what they are doing is good work. They need assistance in managing their expectations and anxiety so that they realise the work they are doing is commiserate with the level they are at, and to mitigate the anxiety so it doesn't become overwhelming.
What I have found the hardest to do is not get so frustrated with myself and the difficulties that it shows. What I have found disconcerting is being able to maintain a certain distance between the friendship and the role of coach. And I have failed at both. As a coach, just like a trainee, we are going to have failures along with our successes. What we also need to do is learn from those failures and do better the next time. What I need to do, like I tell my trainee, is recognise the issue, figure out what went wrong, and move on with the goal of being better than the day before. That is my assurance, promise...I know I haven't always been at my best as I, too, find a way to make things easier to understand, not allow my failures to halt my progress, and keep applying what I have learned during hours of concerted thought and effort. So, I thank you, in advance, for your patience as we walk this road together. We will both make it, and it will be so worth it when we cut that cord and you can fly free.
