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> It's hard to overstate how much a good mentor/coach can improve your progress in almost every endeavor. Any suggestions how to find a good coach as a SWE? I
by Paul-Craft 4y ago
> It's hard to overstate how much a good mentor/coach can improve your progress in almost every endeavor.
Any suggestions how to find a good coach as a SWE? I have 8 YoE and was most recently a staff engineer at a small-ish startup, and the perspective that job gave me has kindled some thoughts about taking my career to the next level, but I feel like I need a little bit of guidance.
- phil-martin 4y agoI've interacted with a few business/life coaches over the years, and I have found that clicked perfectly for me. To find them a combination of: - Using search engines for "life coach" or "business coach" in your area - Find people that you respect in your industry, reach out to them over twitter/linkedin/email/whatever, clearly stating you're looking for a coach, and if there is anyone they recommend. After you find a few, I suggest just trying them out. Book some sessions and see how it goes. I use these criteria: - Has worked with engineers in the past. - Is able to clearly articulate boundaries and approach in the first session - Willingness to test and measure. Understanding and appreciating the lean startup approach essentially. - Is solution and goal oriented. Spending weeks/months talking about the problem without attempting solutions is a waste of everybodys time. - With you can quickly develop a shared understanding of what success looks like. - Can build a rapport with you, and you can build the trust required for total honesty.
- Paul-Craft 4y agoThank you! I appreciate your thoughtful comment.