Coaching versus Mentoring

Coaching and mentoring are two fundamentally different approaches to support, challenge and develop people. However, we recognise that coaching and mentoring can be very close to each other at times. For the benefit of the client, we endeavour to differentiate in theory and practice and to make clear what we are offering at what times.

In most simple terms:

Coaching

Through the art of asking questions, the client’s self-awareness is raised and clarity increased to enable conscious decision making or behavioural change. Or as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) phrases it, “Partnering with clients in a thought‐provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”

Mentoring

“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.” (European Mentoring & Coaching Council EMCC)