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Liz Trocchio Smith

Liz Trocchio Smith
Certified Executive Business Coach
and Trusted Advisor

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Coaching or Mentoring, What Do You Need?

by

Monday, April 6, 2015

Good morning,

I have often heard many people confuse Coaching with Mentoring.  If you are one of the many who don’t get the difference, let me share some information with you that will help you separate the two.  “Coaching” is a process, using questions, to help a leader develop new skills or modify behavior.  “Mentoring” is offering advice, when requested, to support a leader’s career goals.

Here is a short quiz:

  • Question 1:  Carole was recently promoted into a new position and needs to learn how to manage a region that has not been generating sales.   Does she need coaching or mentoring?
  • Question 2:  Paula recently had her performance review, and needs to decide whether she should stay with the company or seek employment elsewhere.  Does she need coaching or mentoring?
One could argue that all of us need coaching and mentoring throughout our careers, right? The best answer for question 1 is that Carole needs coaching, so she can define an agenda, develop new behaviors and generate sales.  Coaching is a collaborative process that requires trust, technical skills, personal support, and individual challenge.  The process typically includes three steps: 1) assessment, 2) constructive action steps, and 3) ongoing accountability.

The best answer for question 2 is that Paula’s primary need is mentoring, so that she can gain clarity on her career options.  Mentoring is no longer a process for “gray-haired advisors.” Reverse mentoring is a process of intentionally seeking advice from younger people, with a different skill set.  The best example may be if Paula wants to learn a new technical skill and her mentor may be a brilliant 24 year old with expert skills in technology.

Questions you may want to ask yourself:  How many coaches and mentors do I have?  How many coaches and mentors do I need?   Where will I find that expertise?

Recommendations:

  • Use the words “coaching” and “mentoring” correctly.  The goals of coaches vs. mentors are different so establishing the objective is critical
  • Foster coaching and mentoring in your organization ASAP.  These are inexpensive, valuable processes.
  • Hire expert consultants to design and deliver coaching solutions to your organization.  Otherwise, you are at risk to lose your most valuable talent.

As Peter Drucker repeatedly stated, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Need help assessing what is best for you individually or for your company?  Give me a call and we can partner together to determine what the best fit is!