Practical insight · 1 min read
Coaching or mentoring: what support are you seeking?
The label matters less than a clear agreement about how you will work together.
Begin with the need
You might want room to explore your own thinking, or input from someone with relevant experience. These needs can overlap. Naming the kind of help you want is more useful than expecting a title to explain everything.
Ask about the approach
In a coaching conversation, attention often centres on your thinking and choices. Mentoring may also include the sharing of experience. Practice varies, so ask the practitioner what they mean by each term and when they might shift approach.
Keep responsibility clear
A recommendation is still something for you to evaluate. Discuss boundaries, expectations and how the work will be reviewed. If your need requires specialist advice outside the practitioner’s competence, a different professional may be appropriate.
A question to take with you
Are you looking for a new perspective, relevant experience, or both?
Source: EMCC · Coaches and mentors
Editorial guides offer general reflection, not a personalised coaching plan.
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