Having a Coach or Having a Mentor…. How to Choose?

If you think coaching and mentoring are one in the same, you are not alone.

While they share some similarities, there are significant differences.

 And the biggest one is that a mentor is usually someone who has valued experience in the same or similar field as the individual being mentored.

A coach is someone who may well have some valued experience, but not necessarily in a related field.  And a coach has been trained.  As a coach.  Trained to listen at many levels.  To partner with you in your journey towards your own stated goals.  To ask probing and insightful questions.  To reflect back to you what they are hearing/observing from you in the coaching conversation.  Trained to help you see your world in new ways.

 I’ve been a mentor.  It’s rewarding and challenging.  Everyone can benefit from having a mentor at one or more stages of their professional life.  It can be so helpful.

But I am a coach.  It’s what I do for a living.  It’s my vocation and has been since I trained for it in 2005.

And I do believe that everyone can benefit from having a coach.  Because having a Coach means having someone in your “corner” to partner with you and help guide you through those life and work choices you face.

 Coaching vs Mentoring? 

It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Your choice may well depend on your current circumstances and what role you are most looking to fill!