A coach or a mentor?

I suspect that each of us can fondly remember our best coaches and mentors. Why? Because they have shaped our lives and influenced the development of our personality. We may not have recognized that at the time, but with hindsight it is easy to look back and recollect them.

But are coaches and mentors the same thing? Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, mentoring and coaching are two very different experiences. The result of both coaching and mentoring is success and personal growth. However, each takes a different path towards the ultimate goal.

The benefits of having a mentor

Sharing is something we are usually taught as children, to share our toys, and our sweets are often our first lessons in sharing. Research suggests that most people are not selfish when it comes to the proliferation of knowledge, we are genuinely happy to share.

A mentor is someone who…