I often hear people express a desire for a coach or a mentor, and when they share what they’re truly looking for, I feel a strong urge to clarify the differences between these two roles.
Both are incredibly valuable, but they offer distinct outcomes, and understanding this can help you make a more informed choice.
Let’s take a moment to explore the pros and cons of each.
A mentor can play a vital role in sharing knowledge and insights. They help you build a solid understanding of issues related to your division or business performance, and may provide strategies to enhance your outcomes. Many people choose mentors based on their achievements, looking up to those who have paved the way in areas they aspire to grow in.
A mentor becomes a trusted resource you tap into.
In my own experience as a mentor in corporate, I've seen how mentees select mentors based on what they’ve accomplished, and I’ve been fortunate to mentor others eager to learn. External mentors are often selected because of their remarkable achievements in fields that resonate with our own aspirations, whether similar or adjacent.
It's a two-way relationship where mentors can also learn from their mentees. This dynamic enriches the experience for both parties and results in bonds beyond the professional landscape. The wisdom lies with the mentor, whose responsibility it is to impart it with their mentee.
It's a loosely structured professional relationship with a conversational approach. Talking time might be equal, but generally skewed towards the mentor who has the answers.
Mentors don’t need specific qualifications and are generally selected based on their business achievements and accolades.
EMCC Global's definition of mentoring is;
“Mentoring is a learning relationship, involving the sharing of skills, knowledge, and expertise between a mentor and mentee through developmental conversations, experience sharing, and role modelling. The relationship may cover a wide variety of contexts and is an inclusive two-way partnership for mutual learning that values differences.”
A coach's role is a collaborative creative partnership, and it’s important to recognize how this dynamic differs from that of a mentor. In this relationship, the coach takes a step back to observe and listen holistically, noticing language, behaviour, action, somatics, beliefs, mindsets and assumptions. They ask thoughtful, powerful questions that encourage you to reflect on what matters most to you, helping to stretch your usual thought patterns to open up new possibilities and ways of being.
This relationship is structured and intentional, built on a foundation of chemistry between you and your coach. Together, you identify objectives and aspirations, often working with an internal sponsor. The focus is very much on behavioural change and personal growth.
A skilled coach creates a safe space for you to explore and rewrite your narratives, encouraging you to question any limiting beliefs that may be holding you back.
The underlying belief is that you have the answers within you, and the coach’s role is to facilitate that discovery by providing a reflective environment that helps you tap into your own wisdom.
A coach is a thinking and accountability partner where they require you to do the work, bring a point of focus to your sessions and commit to actions.
While a mentor may champion your journey, the coach holds you accountable for the work you choose to undertake
To find out more about what coaching is, visit one of our previous blog here.
Coaches are required to be certified and credentialed and engage in ongoing learning. To be a great coach requires that we get coached, it’s rare to find a coach who isn't being coached themselves!
The ICF’s definition of coaching is;
Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.
Partnering with a coach is a game changer in business and life because the impact is sustainable change that's confidence boosting.
To partner with one of our certified coaches, get in touch today and create the impact you desire.
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