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Coaching and Mentoring: what is the difference?
Nowadays people approach to Coaching and Mentoring to move forward in their lives and improve their careers. Both of these helps but they are not the same. Let us know what is the difference between coaching and mentoring and when you may need which one.
What is coaching?
Coaching means improving particular task or skill. if you want to manage your time or you want to become a better leader, then coaching can help you. The coach helps you to walk on the right path but they only give you advice not answer.
Coaching is usually for a short time and it is focus is to achieve a specific goal. For example if you want to learn a new task then the coach shows you the right direction so that you can improve quickly.
What is mentoring?
In mentoring an experienced person (mentor) guides you with his experience and knowledge. It is a long-term relationship in which the mentor advises you and helps you in difficult decisions of your career or life.
The purpose of mentoring is not just to teach a specific skill but to take your whole life in the right direction. This relationship is deep and informal and over time trust is also built between the two of you.
Difference between coaching and mentoring
The purpose of both coaching and mentoring is to help you but their method is different.
Let us know what is the difference between these two:
| Points | Coaching | Mentoring |
| Focus | Focus on specific skill or goal | Focus on whole life development |
| Time frame | Short term | Long term |
| Relationship | Structured and formal | Informal and Friendly |
| Mentoring Role | Coach show direction by asking proper question | Mentor share experience and give advice |
| Approach | Achieving Goal & improving skill | Guiding major life decision |
Advantages of coaching
Some of the benefits of coaching is as follow:
1. Focused attention: The coach focuses on your specific goal and shows you the direction to work on it.
2. Quick results: Coaching is short-term due to which you can see improvements quickly.
3. Accountability: The coach motivate you and give you responsibility to move towards your goals.
4. Confidence: As you achieve your goals ,your confidence grows.
Advantages of mentoring
Mentoring helps you in the long run. Some of its benefits is as follow:
1. Long-term guidance: In mentoring you get long-term advice which helps you take big decisions in your life in a better way.
2. Learning from experience: The mentor teaches you from his experiences so that you make less mistakes.
3. Networking: Mentor introduce you to their contacts who can help you advance your career.
4. Emotional support: Mentor are with you whenever you need mental or emotional help.
When to seek help from a coach?
If you want to improve a particular skill or achieve a specific goal then coaching is right.
For example if you want to manage your time better or learn how to lead your team then a coach can help you.
When to seek help from a mentor?
If you need long-term guidance or help in making big life decisions then reach out to a mentor. A mentor gives you the opportunity to learn from life experiences and shows you the right direction.
Conclusion: Which option is right for you?
You have to choose coaching or mentoring based on your goal and need. If you want to achieve a specific goal quickly coaching will be better. If you want long-term guidance and advice then mentoring will be more beneficial. Both coaching and mentoring can be very helpful for your development and you can also use them together. With the right guidance you can go a long way in your life.