We have been having many conversations about mentoring lately, especially why it is more relevant now than ever. More on that another time. When we discuss mentoring, most people get it. The philosophical alignment has been motivating. However, we occasionally come across folks who equate mentoring with training or sometimes with coaching. They might say, "We have coaching for senior leadership; it is exclusive and available only for a select few."
That is when we realised, Houston, we have a problem! It is time to map out the differences between these three often-confused methods of learning and growth. But first, let us establish one thing: repeat after me, Training, Coaching, and Mentoring are all great ways to learn and grow. How they are delivered might overlap or stand distinct, but each has its purpose.
Training provides the basic skills and knowledge needed to perform a task, coaching helps you improve and reach specific goals with personalised guidance, and mentoring offers long-term wisdom and guidance based on personal experiences. Understanding these differences is pivotal in choosing the right approach for effective learning and growth.
Training provides the basic skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific task. Think of it as someone teaching you how to ride a bike. You will learn all the necessary steps to get started - like wearing a helmet, checking the brakes, and balancing while pedalling. Training ensures you develop the foundational skills to ride from point A to point B and reach safely. It is often standardised, meaning everyone receives identical instructions and follows the same format. In several ways, a trainer is akin to a teacher, ensuring you can perform the basics correctly.
Coaching takes you to the next level. A coach observes how you do a task and provides personalised tips to help you improve. If we continue with the bike analogy, a coach will ride alongside you, advising you to ride faster, smoother, or tackle challenging terrains. Coaching is more personalised than training, focusing on your specific areas for improvement. It is often goal-oriented, with the coach working with you to achieve particular objectives, like mastering uphill rides or building endurance for long distances. The coach may not have done all these things themselves, but they are qualified to help you reach your goals.
Mentoring is different. It is often more informal and relationship-driven. In our biking scenario, a mentor would be someone who has already been there and done that. They share their experiences, lessons, and mistakes - like how they trained for uphill rides, dealt with bike maintenance issues, or used biking to stay fit and make new friends. Mentoring revolves around the mentor’s personal experiences and the practical wisdom they have gained. While it is easy to assume a mentor must be older, that is not necessarily the case. A mentor is someone who has walked the path before you and is willing to guide you on your journey.
To oversimplify: Training teaches you the basics of how to do something, coaching helps you improve and refine those skills, and mentoring offers guidance and wisdom over the long term, drawn from the mentor’s experiences.
It is easy to see why these terms can sometimes be confusing. In practice, there can be significant overlap in how they are delivered, and you might find elements of training, coaching, or mentoring within each other. However, understanding their unique roles can help clarify when and how to use each effectively.