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Mentoring and coaching are similar in many ways. Coaching is more performance driven, designed to improve the professional's on-the-job performance. Mentoring is more development driven, looking not just at the professional's current job function but beyond, taking a more holistic approach to career development

UnlikeÌýcoaching, which is more performance related, mentoring does not involve specific guidance to achieve a goal.ÌýÌýMentoring offers support and encouragement to help you reach your goals.

ItÌýis very difficult as there are many overlapping features between mentoring and coaching.

No, the two processes are best seen as complementary. The overall aim is to achieve the all round development of an individual within the context of a supportive professional relationship.

A coach will ask more questions whereas a mentor will try to answer your questions.

That is OK.ÌýÌýMentoring has several stages: exploration, understanding and action.ÌýÌýThese will vary from person to person.ÌýÌýSome stages may take longer.

It depends what you are looking for.ÌýÌýSome aspects of development need to be explored in-depth.ÌýÌýFor example if significant change is needed for you to develop, and this involves rethinking personal or professional attitudes and behaviours, you may find several months of exploration is needed with topics revisited as you change and develop.ÌýÌýIf practical changes are needed such as upskilling or increasing knowledge, this may be easier to identify and action.ÌýÌýIt could take days or even hours!

This will be for the mentor and mentee to decide together.ÌýÌýIf exploration does not seem to be leading anywhere – it is time to review.

If the mentor/mentee relationship is effective it should be possible to reach a new understanding.ÌýÌýThis can be difficult for both sides.ÌýÌýThe mentor may have to challenge the mentee who may be resistant.ÌýÌýBoth sides will need to give and take.ÌýÌýThe mentor should be supportive and sensitive to the mentee’s needs but the mentee must help by showing willingness to learn and change if needed.

You can help by reviewing the mentoring process and talking through the options for action and the possible consequences with your mentee

You can encourage them to find new ways of thinking, to look at things from different angles.ÌýÌýYou can help with decision making and the forming of an action plan.

YouÌýcan work together as a partnership to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes.