The following table describes the difference between Coaching and Mentoring. Further reading on this topic can also be found on UCL's Good Practice website.
Coaching |
Mentoring |
Coaches need not have first-hand experience of the coachee's line of work. The coach can be an independent external professional with expertise in coaching, or a qualified UCL internal coach. |
Mentoring is customarily a planned pairing of a more skilled or experienced person (usually in the same field of work) with a less experienced person. |
Line managers can use coaching techniques successfully in the management and development of team members. |
Ideally mentors have no line management relationship to the mentee. |
Coaches will ask 'powerful' questions and not offer or give advice.. |
Mentors will often provide direction and advice and should 'open organisational doors' for mentees. |
A number of both internal and external coaches are available with a variety of backgrounds and expertise and the services they provide tie in with the organisation’s objectives. |
Mentors can provide a neutral 'sounding board', assure total confidentiality, and have no agenda other than assisting their mentees in their development and to reach their goals. |
Effective coaching is intended to help you to learn rather than by “teaching” you. By engaging with an experienced coach, the coachee will develop insights leading to enhanced effectiveness. |
Mentoring involves helping mentees to develop their career, skills and expertise often drawing upon the experiences of the mentor in the process. |
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