Coaching, training, and mentoring. These are the terms that have sometimes been used interchangeably but there are marked differences between them and each with different focuses.
Training
Training typically takes place in a group setting, over a short to medium time. Trainees come together with the aim of acquiring or bettering skills, and it is expected that the trainer is more knowledgeable and experienced than the trainees in the specific field. In training, there is a hierarchical and formal relationship between the trainer and the trainees, and a structured process of impartation of knowledge.
Take for instance, teachers attend computer software training where the trainer imparts knowledge and skills required by the teachers in preparation of their lessons. The training is conducted over a fixed time and at the end of it, teachers gain skills related to that software.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a one-to-one process that takes place over a longer period. Though there is still a hierarchy in terms of relationship, it is an informal one. The mentor will be more senior and knowledgeable than the mentee in the specific field, but compared to training, which focuses more on acquiring skills, mentoring looks at the overall development of the mentee and his career.
An example will be a junior executive who just joined a company will be attached to a senior executive in the same department to learn the ropes. There may not be any formal sessions during which knowledge and experience is imparted to the junior. Rather, this is done informally during normal working days.
Coaching
Coaching, in contrast to training and mentoring, takes on a collaborative form. In coaching, though the relationship between the coach and coachee is formal, there is no hierarchy. The coach is not expected to be an expert in the field the coachee is in. Rather, the coachee is the expert here. The role of a coach is to ask well-structured questions to help the coachee discover the solutions to the issues faced.
The focus of coaching is also goal-specific and immediate. For example, a newly promoted manager may be looking how to unite her team. During the coaching sessions, the coach will utilise a variety of tools to help the coachee gain self-awareness such as what are her strengths and behavioural preferences, and from there, allow the coachee to discover solutions to her issues.
Our Services
At Emunah Coaching, we are committed to walk beside you on this journey of self-discovery. We have helped clients from different walks of life to gain clarity and direction in their careers, and we believe we can be of service to you too.
If you are interested to find out how career coaching may help you in your career, email us at ben@emunahcoaching.com