COACHING vs. MENTORING: what's the difference?

Coaching is a process that helps the person being coached to identify the issues they wish to progress with, and to develop for themselves the solutions that will work for them. In this role the coach does not act as an adviser but as a facilitator.

A mentor goes further than that and brings their own expertise and knowledge into the process and may at times suggest solutions or even give advice. However, at all times the entire process must remain owned by the coachee.

Some clients want both coaching and mentoring support. Good coach-mentors remain aware of which role they are in at any moment, and always ask permission first before switching from a coaching to a mentoring role.