The difference between Coaching and Mentoring

Coaching and mentoring are two distinct but complementary approaches to professional development. Both can be valuable tools for helping individuals achieve their goals, but it’s important to understand the differences between the two so you can choose the right approach for your needs.

The biggest difference between coaching and mentoring is that coaching is self-directed, whereas consulting is from an outside source.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a collaborative partnership between a coach and coachee, where the coach helps the coachee define and clarify their goals and dreams of what they want to achieve, and decide what is needed to develop a strategy to get there, and then implement that.

The coach is there as a facilitator to guide the coachee on the journey, and each coaching journey is different. Think of the phrase “I can’t see the wood for the trees” – coaching offers that perspective, allowing coachees to take a step back to see the forest and the different paths through it, instead of standing stalled in front of one tree that blocks your progress.

Coaching is a very positive experience as it is forward and future focused. It typically starts with the end in mind and then one puts the steps in place to move from where one is today to where one wants to be in the future (the goal). It is important to understand that there are three different steps in coaching:

Step one: Goal setting

Step two: Strategy

Step three: Action

I aim to create sustainability for those I coach. Depending on the journey and on my client’s needs and specific goals, I can pose questions and give some notes but I walk alongside, instead of showing the way: the coachee, with help, should be able to direct and guide his own journey. I become your partner, holding your hand every step of the way, supporting, encouraging and being a sounding board on how you want to achieve your goals and deal with the challenges and the successes along the way.

There may be a “need” initially for facilitated self-guidance to set up goals; once that is achieved the relationship often continues, as the value of coaching becomes apparent. Unlike therapy, which can create dependency, coachees decide that they “want” the coaching. They do not necessarily “need” it to continue on their path, but they “want” coaching because it’s good for them and they have seen the results.

With coaching, entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses have a platform where they have a set time in a week to reflect and bounce ideas around knowing there is complete confidentiality when they share the challenges and strategise to build more successes. The coach is always there as a non-judgemental support: somebody that has your back all the time for your own benefit who is completely unobjective and fully present for your goal fulfilment. They are focused only on you. And that is rare in today’s environment where everything is all about “me”.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a relationship in which a more experienced person (the mentor) provides guidance and support to a less experienced person (the mentee). Mentors typically share their knowledge, skills and experience with their mentees, and help them to develop their careers. But the mentor does not take part in your journey or your goals or your future; they are there solely to share information.

A mentor can add a lot of value specifically, if you are already on a journey with a coach, and you need specific advice or specific insights into certain areas of, say, business. The information received from a mentor can then be decoded in your coaching sessions. Mentoring relationships are often long-term and holistic, covering a wide range of topics, including career development, personal development and work-life balance.

Key differences between coaching and mentoring

The following table summarises some of the key differences between coaching and mentoring:

Feature	Coaching	Mentoring
Goal	Help clients achieve specific goals	Help clients develop their skills and knowledge
Duration	Long or short-term	Typically long-term
Approach	Directive and structured	Non-directive and supportive
Relationship	Formal	Informal
Compensation	Typically paid	Typically unpaid

Benefits of coaching

Coaching can offer a number of benefits, including:

Improved performance: Coaching can help individuals to improve their performance at work by helping them to identify and develop their strengths, and to address any areas of weakness.
Increased motivation: Coaching can help individuals to stay motivated and focused on their goals.
Greater self-awareness: Coaching can help individuals to develop a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals.
Improved decision-making: Coaching can help individuals to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can lead to better decision-making.
Increased confidence: Coaching can help individuals to develop their self-confidence and belief in their abilities.

Benefits of mentoring

Mentoring can also offer a number of benefits, including:

Career development: Mentoring can help individuals to develop their careers by providing them with guidance on how to set and achieve their goals, develop their skills and knowledge, and network with other professionals.
Personal development: Mentoring can also help individuals to develop their personal skills, such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Work-life balance: Mentoring can help individuals to achieve a better work-life balance by providing them with support and guidance on how to manage their time and priorities effectively.
Sense of belonging: Mentoring can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and support, which can be especially beneficial for those who are new to a job or industry.

Which approach is right for you?

The best approach for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking for help to achieve a specific goal, such as improving your performance at work or getting promoted, then coaching may be the best option for you. If you are looking for guidance and support in your career development and personal growth, then mentoring may be a better fit.

As mentioned above, it is possible to benefit from both coaching and mentoring. For example, you could work with a coach to help you achieve a specific goal that has evolved from information you received from a mentor. It is very important to pick what works for you because typically a mentor would be older. When they were where you are, the world was different, their desires and goals were driven by different needs to yours.

How to choose a coach

If you’ve decided to work with a coach, it is important to consider the following factors:

Experience: Choose a coach with experience in helping others to achieve their goals.
Qualifications: Make sure that your coach has the necessary qualifications and training.
Personality: Choose a coach who you feel comfortable working with and who you believe can help you to achieve your goals.

It is a very personal decision. For coaching to be effective, you will need to share a great deal of personal and business information with this individual. But it’s about even more than trust – you need to feel inspired by them and want to spend time with them. So do your research and find coaches where you’ll have an immediate connection, whether that’s business experience, similar hobbies to you, whether they write on topics that resonate with you or are referred as someone you’d have an affinity with.

Meet as many coaches as you can. You will know when you meet with the coach who is your ideal collaborator.