What is the difference between coaching and mentoring
Although the phrases “coaching” and “mentoring” may appear similar, they are not the same.
In this blog, I would like to explain the differences and the benefits of the two. I will go through the methods used for each and discuss why both may lead to a positive work environment.
For as long as I can remember, I have always had some mentors who helped me understand how; Social Media works, built my website, or used blogging to attract my perfect client and much more. It was great to have them, and I am so grateful for them, but I always missed something. For a long time, I didn’t know what it was. There were often moments where I didn’t want to follow the advice of my Mentor because I felt I wanted something different.
Yes, different! But what exactly did I want?
This might sound cheeky, but I always knew I could do more, and I am here to change the world!
I am a part of a great community, “The John Maxwell Team”, which I discovered by chance (if you believe in the luck, of course ), and I recently had the privilege to complete the “Maxwell Method of Coaching – Coach Training”, run by Valorie Burton.
I felt that I needed coaching instead of mentoring for the first time in my life. Thank you, Valorie Burton, for providing such impactful training.
And suppose you would like to meet Valorie. In that case, I recommend one of her books; Successful Women Speak Differently: 9 Habits That Build Confidence, Courage, and Influence, where you can learn a lot about yourself (or change yourself for the better).
So, what makes me so passionate about coaching? And why did I choose this career route as my future?
Let’s start with coaching, and first and foremost, I’d want to define what coaching entails.
“Coaches help you move from where you are to where you want to be.”
Coaching is a thought-provoking conversation that empowers you with the answers you need to navigate your challenges, maximize opportunities and grow into an even better version of yourself.
Coaching is the process that inspires you to maximize your personal and professional potential.”
I like the fact that when being coached, all the responsibilities lie on you.
What exactly do I mean by this?
Your coach is not liable for your outcomes or commitments to actions you will or will not take.
I know I have more to offer, and the only way to discover this is through coaching. I have fears, and as a result, I frequently procrastinate. Again, a good coach will assist me in overcoming this obstacle.
Do you see my point? If you are just like me and believe in yourself, I will dare to suggest you get yourself a great coach.
I am sure you have the potential, and you are ready to help other people, but if you are too scared to go for it, a good coach will help you with all the challenges you face.
So, what exactly are the obligations of the coach?
A coach must be present in the session to serve as the catalyst you require to move forward. Your coach should assist you in identifying a unique route to success, assisting you in becoming more productive, more purposeful about what you want to accomplish or where you want to go, or determining what is getting in your way.
A great coach is laser-focused on your vision and will act as fuel for your growth, and the growth that comes from coaching improves your results.
The term “coaching” can mean a number of things to different people, but it usually refers to helping individuals resolve their problems and improve their performance.
A good coach thinks that people always have solutions to their problems, whether in sports, life, or business, and they only need a little help getting them unlocked.
If you still reading this and would like to try a free coaching session, go ahead and check the two levels of coaching I offer to support you.
Mentoring
The definition for Mentorship: Mentorship is the influence, guidance, or direction given by a mentor. In an organizational setting, a mentor influences the personal and professional growth of a mentee.
Mentorship has various advantages, and developing this relationship may benefit mentors and mentees and allow you to learn new things, expand your networks, and advance your professions.
The difference in Mentorship is that mentoring focuses on your Mentor’s patterns. As a result, your Mentor will use their strategies, share their knowledge, and demonstrate to you how they achieve and maintain their success which will assist you in overcoming your challenges.
Often Mentor will guide you on a specific path of development. Your Mentor might have concrete suggestions based on their experience of how to move you forward.
Mentoring is often “telling”. Telling might be helpful, but you might have a different path that you need to take.
The concept of providing Mentorship in a coaching manner is becoming more common in modern days, and Mentorship in the form of coaching is getting increasingly popular.
The reasons are simple; every good coach believes that the client has their answer and with good questions asked, you will be able to take them out.
When you are being mentored with coaching concepts, you often have to find your answers, which can help you find your true purpose and vision.
The difference between coaching and mentoring may be summarised as follows: “A coach has some great questions for your answers; a mentor has some great answers for your questions.”
I hope this guide has answered any questions you had about mentoring vs coaching and that you now know which one is the best for you.
I hope you got value from this post. If so, comment below, Tweet, Pin, or share on your favourite digital media platform.
To your success
Edyta
P.S. If you would like any information on how coaching can help you in your business and want to dig deeper into this, pick a time on my calendar that works best for you, and we can discuss this further.