“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself…” Oprah Winfrey
Mentor or coach – which do you need now to help guide your work, career or Life? Let’s explore what the differences are – and what they might both have in common…
Mentors:
- Share their experience and expertise to someone less experienced
- May be technical experts or have significant leadership experience
- Are role models and politically savvy
- Often offer career advice and assist in job search
- Share their network and review resumes
- Open to long-term relationships
Coaches:
- Act as thinking partners to brainstorm possibilities and actions
- Focus on a specific task or performance issue to achieve results
- Help set goals and hold clients accountable for achieving them
- Use assessments and tools that focus on competencies, skills, or abilities
- Provide feedback and ask powerful questions
- Build short-term relationships
Ideal Common Characteristics:
- Mentee or client sets goals and meetings, follows up, and takes action
- Learning occurs with a development focus and invites reflection
- Relationship is based on trust where confidentiality is maintained
Listening and empathy skills are used- Mentee or client leaves motivated!
Find a mentor internal to your organization to help you learn a special expertise or navigate career path choices. Work with a coach for a broader perspective to explore your deepest passions and highest potential…
Better yet… treat yourself to both!
