What is one key difference between coaching and mentoring?

Coaching and mentoring serve different purposes, and one key distinction lies in their focus. Coaching typically emphasizes immediate skills development, performance improvement, and achieving specific goals. It is often task-oriented, with a more structured and formal approach, aimed at helping individuals enhance their abilities in a particular area over a shorter timeframe.

On the other hand, mentoring is a broader relationship that involves guiding a less experienced individual in their overall growth, including their career. Mentors often provide insights based on their own experiences, help navigate career pathways, and support long-term professional development. This relationship is characterized by a deep, informal connection that encourages ongoing dialogue and relationship-building, which can significantly influence the mentee's career trajectory.

Thus, the answer highlights that mentoring prioritizes a supportive role in navigating career pathways, whereas coaching focuses more on skill acquisition and specific performance targets. Understanding this difference is essential for effectively engaging in either relationship, as it informs expectations and desired outcomes.