Thanks to the 100 coaches initiative by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, I was able to crystallize some thoughts on coaching/mentoring based on my past experience and what I learned from the sessions. 

I am sharing this as part of my Pay It Forward contribution, feel free to use this, adapt this and share this. This can be applied in business, social and home situations.

1. Do not coach or mentor a person who is not willing to change! It is all around wasted effort and can only result in frustration. This is not to be confused with motivating a person to reach beyond their imaginary limits.
2. 68% of all dialogues are either about proving the superiority of the speaker or inferiority of a second or third person. Significant productivity and time savings are available if these two topics can be avoided.
3. We all have inflated confidence in what we know. Approaching topics with true openness can help in yielding remarkable results beyond limits of current knowledge.
4. Behavioral changes are one of the toughest changes an adult can willingly go through; their environment and stakeholders are a critical enabler for such changes to succeed.
5. A successful person is a lot more receptive for coaching and mentoring than a struggling person. 100% of the successful athletes and sportspersons have great coaches helping them.
6. Feedforward is more impactful than feedback, given that it focuses on how to succeed in the future! Feedforward should be positive, simple and focused.
7. Key leadership traits to develop – ask for more inputs, active listening, pause to think, thank all ( especially for transparency), respond/acknowledge, involve teams, drive change (starting with self), active follow-ups/check-ins.
8. When it comes to behavioral changes, the most impactful success criteria is regular follow up with 360-degree stakeholders to report out on progress and actions taken. This helps address perception which is equally important as results.
9. Recognise internal and external stimulus that impact our behaviors. Pause to think, be aware of choices and consciously act. Golden question (AIWATT) – Am I Willing At This Time, to make the investment required to make a positive difference on this topic?
10. Active end of day self-reflection on what you have achieved without seeking external excuses. “Today, Did I do my best to” – be happy, find meaning, be fully engaged, pursue my goals, build positive relationships, and others.

And the Most important learning – The best of us need help! Raise your hand and ask for help from internal coaches, mentors, external coaches, peers, family members, community members and so on.

Remember life is good, you can make it great!