Coaching vs. Mentoring: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between coaching and mentoring is that coaching is a short-term, task-oriented process whereas mentoring is a long-term, relationship-driven process.
Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Coaching and Mentoring:
- Coaching: Coaching refers to a short-term process where a professional coach uses questions and strategies to help individuals enhance their skills in specific areas.
- Mentoring: Mentoring is a longer-term process where a more experienced professional serves as a guide and advisor to the less experienced individual, helping to develop their personal and professional growth.
Now, let’s get to Coaching vs Mentoring:
Major differences between Coaching and Mentoring
| Coaching | Mentoring |
|---|---|
| Coaching usually has a focussed objective. | Mentoring is more of a broader process aimed at overall development. |
| Coaching is a collaborative process that involves regular meetings between the coach and the individual. | Mentoring involves informal and more spontaneous meetings over time. |
| Coaching is designed to be highly structured with specific objectives. | Mentoring is more relaxed and is more a relationship between a mentor and a protégée. |
| Coaching is usually focused on the present and future goals. | Mentoring is often tied to personal development, career development, and long-term success. |
| Coaching tends to be more task-oriented. | Mentoring tends to be relationship-oriented and focused on the whole person. |
So, these are the main differences between the entities.
Also see:
- Client vs. Customer
- Business Administration vs. Business Management
- Facebook Page vs. Facebook Group
You can see other “differences between…” posts by clicking here.
If you have a related query, kindly feel free to let me know in the comments below.
