Coaching and Mentoring – What’s The Difference?

by | Coaching, Insights, Mentoring

People often ask what’s the difference between coaching and mentoring and it can be a tricky one to answer. There are lots of cross overs and some key differences.

Similarities

Both

  • Are conversation-based relationships
  • Have a purpose is to support client to make a positive change of some sort
  • Are Future-focused
  • Are mostly 1-2-1, sometimes 1-2-many
  • Are unregulated professions (unlike medicine or psychotherapy) but have Professional Bodies to ensure high standards.

Differences

Include

Coaching Mentoring
Level of Formality More formal: contract or ground rules set, often involving a third-party client Often less formal: agreement, most typically between 2 parties
Length of Contract Shorter term: typically, between 4-12 meetings running over 2 to 12 months Longer term: typically, unspecified number of meetings with relationships often running over 1-5 years
Goal or Career Focus More performance-focused or goal focused: typically, a greater focus on short-term skills and job performance or goal More career-focused: typically, a concern with longer-term career or business issues, obtaining the right experience and longer-term thinking
Level of Business Sector Knowledge required More generalist: coaches do not always need sector knowledge of the business sector and do not offer direct advice More sector knowledge: typically, mentors have knowledge of the organisation or the business sector and may offer some ‘advice’ and options
Training More ‘relationship’ or ‘behavioural’ training: typically, coaches may have a background in psychology, psychotherapy, HR or formal coach training More management/topic specific training: typically, mentors have a background in senior management or business and may not have formal mentoring training
Individual or Organisation Focus Dual focus: more typically a dual focus on the needs of the individual and the needs of the organisation Single Focus: more typically a single focus on the needs of the individual

Taken From Passmore. J (2021)

Even these differences are merging in today’s complex business world.

Many people feel the main difference is in relation to the amount of advice offered to the client. Generally, coaches will not offer direct advice whereas mentors may offer advice as options, suggestions and some may offer more direct advice.

What matters when hiring a coach or mentor?

  1. Be clear about what support you are looking for in terms of thinking time, goal setting, advice and guidance, sector experience, etc?
  2. Have a ‘Discovery call’ with any potential coaches or mentors before deciding to use them. All good coaches and mentors will be used to this and happy to share their approach, style, ethics and how they support you.
  3. Prepare a few questions to ask them and share a little about what you are looking for.
  4. Make sure you feel you can build trust and rapport with them; and
  5. Check their professional bodies, credentials, training and ethics before you sign up.