Coaching Mentoring

What is coaching? What is mentoring?

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In this section we look at the role of the coach and that of the mentor.

What is coaching?

'Coaching is the art of creating an environment, through conversation and a way of being, that facilitates the process by which a person can learn, develop and move toward desired goals in a fulfilling manner.'

Because coaching has so many facets, the above definition takes a bit of explaining.

Executive coaching and Life coaching is a process whereby the coach creates an environment that enables the client the freedom and security to investigate his/her ambitions, desires, passions, dreams etc., and turn them into reality.

This special environment is one where no judgements are made, no instructions given. It is totally voluntary; in fact unless the client interacts of his own volition, the process will not work.

Importantly, coaching allows people to discuss problem areas without feeling as though they are being 'psychoanalysed' and therefore categorised or pigeonholed in some way.

Alternatives such as counselling or therapy for example, can sometimes lead to dependence by the client, whereas coaching encourages independence, and will leave the client with the tools to handle future problems for themselves. Although they may wish to return to explore further issues, it doesn't rely on long-term therapy type sessions.

The Coaching Relationship

The coaching relationship is not a passive one. A good coach will:

  • Challenge the client
  • Help them to set achievable objectives
  • Assist them in thinking positively and creatively
  • Help them to inject fun and adventure into their ambitions
  • Help them to see that they can create their own future - not the future dictated by others.
The power of coaching is undeniable. It provides people with the opportunity to dramatically and permanently change their lives.
 

What is mentoring?

A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor.

The typical aims of mentoring programs are to enhance an employee's (protegy's) development and learning by pairing him/her with a more experienced, accomplished and knowledgeable person (mentor). The mentor role is wide-ranging and its meaning differs between organisations. Frequent descriptions include teacher, guide, coach, friend, encourager, advisor, supporter and counsellor. The original use of the term 'mentor' explains its intended aims. It hails from Greek mythology, in the story of Ulysees, the warrior king of Ithica. He was frequently away in battle for long periods, during which he left his son Telemachus in the care of his wise and trusted friend, Mentor. His role was to protect, advise, support and care for the boy until Ulysees returned. It is within this context that employee mentoring is set today.

Its use is a reflection of the widely accepted view in business and academia, that formal classroom-style training is ineffective in transferring knowledge and skills. Indeed, trainees forget a third of what they are taught even before leaving the classroom. Within a month, more than three quarters of the learning is forgotten. At best, trainees can be expected to remember very little of their learning in the long term. Mentoring is thus seen as an effective and cost effective method of transferring knowledge and facilitating the development of skills in junior or inexperienced employees. The aims of the program and the dynamics of each particular relationship determine the exact role adopted by a mentor.

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