Are coaching and mentoring the same

by Prakash Panchal

They’re related but not exactly the same. Coaching often focuses on improving specific skills or achieving short-term goals, while mentoring usually involves a longer-term relationship focused on overall development and guidance.

Coaching is typically a structured process where a coach helps someone improve specific skills or achieve certain goals. It’s often task-oriented and performance-driven, with a focus on measurable outcomes. Coaches provide feedback, set goals, and create action plans to help the coachee succeed. It’s often used in professional or personal development contexts. 

Mentoring is more relationship-based and typically involves a more experienced person guiding a less experienced one. It's often long-term, focusing on overall personal and professional development. Mentors offer advice, share experiences, and provide support to help mentees grow in their careers and personal lives. It’s less about specific skills and more about overall growth and development.

Here's a table to summarise: