How Coaching and Mentoring Works: The Benefits of Using a Coach or Mentor (Part 2)

PART 2 of 3:

Coaching and Mentoring Overview

Is there a difference between Coaching and Mentoring?

We're going to cop out here and say there probably can't be a definitive answer to this. The two terms seem to be increasingly linked and are often used interchangeably. These happen to be our definitions, but we're sure you'll find a bunch of others if you look around:

Coaching: we see a business, corporate or executive coach in much the way we see a sports coach. This person sets specific goals and objectives, sees what you need to do to achieve them and works with you on target setting, professional and personal development, expansion of your skills base and offers practical and relevant advice and guidance.

Mentoring: a mentor can almost be seen as a wise, experienced friend or favourite aunt or uncle type person. A mentor leads by example and is a role model. They might be very good at helping you see the big picture and understand the politics of the organisation you work for.

A coach can be a mentor and a mentor can be a coach, or the role can be rolled into one. The key is that whatever term you use, the person being coached or mentored gets unbiased support and guidance.

Benefits of Coaching and Mentoring

When you work with a coach or mentor you will benefit in many ways:

• Have a safe place to offload
• Develop skills you already have
• Learn new skills
• Gain insight into yourself and the people you work with
• Get unbiased, confidential support
• Gain fresh perspectives on your issues
• Get advice, suggestions and options

Coaching and Mentoring Theory

We're probably the wrong company to ask about coaching and mentoring theory. As a matter of fact, we're not too hot on theory since we believe that you can't pigeonhole people and impose a template of how coaching and mentoring should look.

On one level, we suppose that you could say that having a counselling skill is a good 'theoretical' place to start. The principles that a good counsellor needs to have are equally true for good coaches and mentors:

• Maintains confidentiality
• Excellent listening and responding skills
• Non-judgemental
• Objective outlook
• Advises rather than tells
• Has the 'mentee's' best interests at heart

(to be continued)

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About the Author

Jo Ellen and Robin run Impact Factory a training company who provide Coaching and Mentoring, Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Communications Training, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching for Individuals.

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