Features of Mentoring
Mentoring is an approach that can be used to mitigate the feeling of it being ‘lonely at the top’, as those heading up companies need to be able to talk to someone who has experienced what they are experiencing.
Features of Mentoring
Mentoring is a process that should be lead very much by the client explaining to the mentor what the issues are that they are facing and then the Mentor offering the benefit of their experience and explaining what they might do, or have done in a similar situation.
It calls on the mentor to be able to view things laterally and recognise what advice they could provide, even if they have not experienced exactly the same scenario.
Although a mentor will ideally have experience within the same industry or sector, this is not essential, as the experiences of running a business can be similar whatever the industry or sector.
Coaching and mentoring often get confused because they share many features and draw from a similar skill base. Here are some of the differences:
Mentoring | Coaching |
Is based upon an ongoing relationship that can last for a long time | Is usually based upon a short term relationship |
The Mentor is usually highly experienced and knowledgeable and aims to pass on their experience and understanding to their clients | The Coach may not have direct experience of running a High Growth Company, but have access to a wealth of relevant tools and resources |
Mentoring can be often be delivered informally and meetings can take place as and when the client needs some guidance and/or support | Coaching is generally more structured with an agenda and regular scheduled coaching sessions |
Mentoring is usually delivered over the long term and takes a broader view resulting in considerable personal development | Coaching is often shorter-term intervention with a clearly defined time frame and focused on specific development or performance issues |
The focus of mentoring is usually the long term development of the client | The focus of coaching is generally on development and specific issues facing the client now |
The mentoring agenda is set by the client with the mentor providing support and guidance to prepare them for future roles and challenges | The coaching agenda is focused on achieving specific, immediate goals and is influenced by the coach |
Mentoring revolves more around developing the client professionally | Coaching revolves more around specific development areas and issues |
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