FAQ’s About Coaching and Mentoring

What is mentoring?

• In Greek mythology, Mentor was a close friend of Odysseus and was entrusted by him to provide prudent guidance and counsel to his son Telemachus when Odysseus left Ithaca to fight the Trojans.
• The goddess Athena often assumed Mentor's form in order to give counsel to those she wished to help.
• Today Mentor's name is synonymous with being a faithful and wise adviser.
  

What is coaching?

• A coach can be described variously as an instructor, trainer, or tutor.
• Coaches are outcome oriented and agenda driven. They will help you to achieve a specific goal in the shortest possible time and to the highest standard.
  

What is the difference between mentoring and coaching?

• The difference is one of degrees. Both coaches and mentors provide guidance. However, while a coach will provide clear direction, a mentor will tend to suggest possibilities and explore alternative pathways with you.
• Over time an experienced mentor/coach will be able to adopt both styles in working with you.
  

What are the benefits of coaches and mentors?

• A coach will help you develop specific skills to achieve specific outcomes.
• A mentor will help you to develop yourself by sharing your journey with you. Many so called life coaches are effectively mentors.
  

When is a good time to start?

• Generally executives engage a mentor when they are going through a period of change (e.g. a promotion, a move into a new industry) and are feeling unsure of themselves (feelings of uncertainty might also creep up on you as you struggle to cope).
• Executives will engage a coach when they want to acquire a particular skill.
• The best time to start is before it's too late!