There is a lot of debate about the
differences between Coaching and Mentoring, and which approach is better in
what circumstances. Both Mentoring and Coaching are similar in that they are
about personal learning and development, and the basic skills required by the Mentor or Coach are also similar, such as rapport building, listening and
questioning, challenging and giving feedback.
In practice, Mentoring tends to be more
guiding and advisory than Coaching and in this regard, Mentoring is considered
a slightly more directive (PUSH) style of intervention. Whilst a Mentor might Coach during the Mentoring process, a Coach will rarely Mentor during the
coaching process, as Coaching is most effective as a non-directive (PULL) style
of intervention.
So how do you decide whether you need a Mentor or a Coach?
So how do you decide whether you need a Mentor or a Coach?
If you want to focus on the content of your day to day work and:
- achieve
specific measurable results in a time frame of less than 6/8 months
- improve
your work performance in a particular area
- develop
specific skills or adopt new, more effective behaviours to get better results
- have
a specific workplace problem, relationship or issue that is causing you to be
less effective than you would be otherwise
- change
your attitude or mental frame to be more positive and effective in specific
workplace situations or circumstances
- be
effective while going through a short-term transition such as organisational
change, job relocation, promotion etc.
then Coaching is probably your best option. Expect to be working with
them as your Coach for a period of 4-8 months, meeting every 3-4 weeks or so.
If you want to focus on the broader context of your working life and:
- learn
more about the organisation you have just/recently joined
(culture/systems/unwritten rules/politics etc)
- focus
on your longer term personal and professional development in the organisation
- review
your career options and choices over the next 12-18 months
- seek
promotion or have been promoted and want to ensure your style/approach etc
meets expectations at this new level
- re-invigorate
your personal sense of purpose and motivation at work
then Mentoring is probably your best option. Expect to be working with
them as your Mentor for a period of 12-18 months, meeting every 6-8 weeks or
so.
Whether you are choosing a Coach or a Mentor, you will be expected to be committed to the process and to make the most of the opportunity that Coaching or Mentoring presents, as your Coach/Mentor will be committed to your success.
In either case, you can expect to be
challenged, stretched (in terms of your thinking and capability) and develop a deeper sense of self awareness and personal drive.