Integrating Coaching Techniques into Academic Mentoring

Ask questions first to help junior scholars chart their own paths.

Photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash

In a previous newsletter post, I discussed how important it is to incorporate coaching strategies into academic mentoring to help PhD students and early-career scholars develop. You can read that post here:

I write that,

A coach helps people navigate academia by focusing on their intuition, values, goals, and life circumstances rather than simply relaying what the mentor would do in a given situation or what the most common academic advice would be.

Furthermore, I believe that the apprenticeship model of PhD education replicates well-established paths to academic success that maintain the status quo. Instead,

We can better help the next generation of scholars by teaching them how the traditional path works and giving them the tools to forge their own. Imagine the change that could occur in academia if we truly allowed junior scholars to chart new paths rather than simply replicating the ways things have always been done.

Today, I’d like to provide specific advice on how mentors can integrate coaching techniques into their mentoring relationships. These strategies can help junior scholars discover their unique paths, develop critical thinking skills, and become more resilient in their academic journeys.

1. Ask Powerful Questions

Coaching asks questions first instead of giving solutions first. Instead of offering immediate solutions or advice, start by asking questions that encourage mentees to reflect deeply on their situations and goals. Powerful questions can help mentees clarify their thoughts and explore new perspectives. Here are some examples:

• "What are your long-term goals, and how does this situation align with them?"

• "What options have you considered so far?"

• "What strengths can you leverage to address this challenge?"

• "How do you feel about the different paths you could take?"

2. Foster Self-Reflection

Coaching is a reflective practice. Encourage mentees to engage in regular self-reflection to gain insights into their academic and personal growth. This can be done through journaling, reflective discussions, or self-assessment exercises. Self-reflection helps mentees become more aware of their values, strengths, and areas for improvement. You might ask:

• "What have been your key learnings from this experience?"

• "How have your values influenced your decisions?"

• "In what ways have you grown since our last meeting?"

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3. Set SMART Goals

Coaching is goal- and solution-oriented. Work with your mentees to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals. This structured approach to goal-setting can help mentees create actionable plans and track their progress. For instance:

• Specific: "I want to publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal."

• Measurable: "I will submit my manuscript by the end of the semester."

• Achievable: "I have the data and a draft ready."

• Relevant: "This publication is crucial for my career advancement."

• Time-bound: "I will complete the revisions and submit in three months."

4. Provide Constructive Feedback

Coaching still gives clear feedback. While coaching emphasizes self-discovery, feedback remains crucial. However, frame your feedback in a way that encourages growth and learning rather than simply correcting mistakes. Use the “Sandwich” technique:

• Start with positive reinforcement: "Your literature review is thorough and well-organized."

• Address areas for improvement: "Consider strengthening your argument in the discussion section."

• End with encouragement: "I’m confident that these revisions will make your paper even stronger."

5. Encourage Autonomy

Coaching believes that junior scholars have the capacity to find their own paths. Empower your mentees to take ownership of their projects and decisions. This involves giving them the space to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Ask questions like:

• "What steps do you plan to take next?"

• "How do you think you can overcome this obstacle?"

• "What resources or support do you need to move forward?"

6. Practice Active Listening

Coaching listens intently. Demonstrate genuine interest in your mentees’ concerns and ideas by practicing active listening. This involves, giving your full attention without interrupting, reflecting on what you’ve heard by summarizing or paraphrasing, and responding thoughtfully to their points.For example:

• "It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed with balancing your research and teaching responsibilities. Can you tell me more about what’s been particularly challenging?"

7. Support Work-Life Balance

Coaching understands the scholar holistically. Graduate school and early academic careers can be demanding. Encourage your mentees to maintain a healthy work-life balance by discussing time management, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. You might ask:

• "How are you managing your time between research, teaching, and personal life?"

• "What activities help you recharge and stay motivated?"

• "How can you create a routine that supports both your academic and personal well-being?"

Final Thoughts

You will notice in all of the examples above that coaching includes questions to help junior scholars critically reflect on what is working, what isn't, and what they want, encouraging them to find solutions on their own.

So, at its most basic level, coaching requires you to refrain from first telling junior scholars what you would do in a given situation and instead ask questions to guide them to their own solutions. Advice may be critical at times, but as academics, we frequently feel compelled to demonstrate our expertise by describing what we would do first and foremost. This may shut down the junior scholar and make them feel compelled to follow our advice because of the power differentials in our relationships with them.

By integrating these coaching techniques into your mentoring practice, you can help your mentees develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate academia independently. This combined approach not only provides guidance based on your experience but also empowers them to forge their own paths and achieve their unique goals.

As I mentioned in my previous post about using coaching mindsets in mentoring, I firmly believe that a coaching techniques promotes a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative environment for the next generation of scholars.