| |19 July 2017HIGHERReviewCoaching and Mentoring of students is highly important, however, it is also an extremely sensitive taskgram' is the key to student empowerment. Such programs should ideally happen during the Higher Secondary / Pre-University Schooling and during Engineering; the students should be exposed to domain specific `Career Awareness Programs'. But, since this doesn't happen in most of the schools, the majority of the students chose Engineering out of pressure and not as a well-informed choice.As it is an arranged marriage and not a cupid union with their Career, many times we need to play the role of a counsellor. My experience says, all that a student wants is someone responsible from the Institute, who can be their friend and allow them to express themselves freely about their aspirations. Coaching and Mentoring of students is highly important, however, it is also an extremely sensitive task. Initially, students may not have the pull to look at the bigger picture about their Career. They may lack the belief and conviction in themselves and you. They may rebel and revolt changes that force them to move out of their com-fort zone. Sometimes, you may have to break them to make them. Hence, in most cases, they have to be 'Trained' first and then be Coached / Mentored.Attitudinal Training / Coaching should focus on bringing a genuine and strong 'Will to Skill'. I firmly believe that `Skill follows Will'. The power of self-belief is such that, what ap-pears impossible to others, will be a possibility for those with conviction and confidence. If one is clear about the "What" and "Why" about their career, one will automatically start exploring the answers for the "How", "When", "Where" and any other related questions. `Clarity of Purpose', `Passion to Learn / Grow' and the intent to be a `Value Addition to the Society' are the three most important self-faculties for an individual's holistic learning and development. The more competent we are, the more confident we become. And, if the effort put in to achieve a task is optimum and in the right direction, the desired result has to follow. The 8 fold paths of Leadership1. Realize the dynamics and importance of `Working with People' 2. Understand the `Expectations of all the Stake Holders' and strive to `delight' them 3. `Work Efficiently and Speak Effectively' 4. `Lead by example'. Show your people how it is done and they will surely learn. 5. Have a `healthy work-life balance' and help your people to embrace the same. 6. `Synergize your Team's Effort' by creating a common purpose 7. Be open to `Give & Take Feedback'. 8. Aspire to Inspire. Let the responsibility to Coach / Mentor the students, continue to fascinate us and bring the best out of us.
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