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Coaching and mentoring: what is the difference, why should I get one and how do I choose which one to use ?

Coaching

Coaching is a process in which a coach helps an individual or a group to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. Some key aspects of coaching include:

  • Support: a coach provides support and encouragement to the coachee or group, helping them to overcome challenges and stay motivated.
  • Goal-setting: coaching involves helping the coachee(s) to identify their goals and develop a clear plan of action to achieve them.
  • Accountability: a coach helps the coachee(s) to hold themself accountable for their progress by supporting them to establish ‘calls to action’, milestones and encouraging them to reflect about whether they are on track to achieve their goals.
  • Skill development: coaching often involves helping the individual or group develop specific skills or competencies that are necessary for success by using coaching tools.
  • Feedback: coaches provide feedback and guidance to help the coachee to reflect upon themselves in a positive way.

Mentoring

Mentoring is a professional relationship in which:

  • Guidance, support, and advice: an experienced person (the mentor) provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person (the mentee) in order to help them develop their skills, knowledge, and career.
  • Occurs in various contexts: mentoring can occur in various contexts, such as the workplace, academia, or personal development programs.
  • Regular feedback and advice: It typically involves regular meetings or interactions where the mentor shares their expertise, offers feedback, and helps the mentee set and achieve their goals.
  • Helps personal and professional improvement: mentoring can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking personal growth and professional development.

Why should you choose to be coached or mentored?

There are several reasons why a person should choose to be coached or mentored.

Personal development

  • Coaching and mentoring provide individuals with guidance and support to enhance their personal and professional growth.

Accountability

  • Coaches and mentors help individuals stay accountable for their goals and actions, ensuring they follow through with their commitments.

Skill enhancement.

  • Through coaching and mentoring, individuals can gain new skills and knowledge, improving their performance in various areas of their life.

Objective feedback.

  • Coaches and mentors provide objective feedback, helping individuals gain new perspectives and insights about themselves and their situations.

Emotional support.

  • Coaches and mentors offer emotional support, providing a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings.

How do I choose which one to use?

The specific impact may vary depending on the individual’s goals and circumstances. Which of the best suits you?

Coaching

  • Coaching typically involves a structured and goal-oriented process that can be shorter in time span than mentoring.
  • It requires a skilled and qualified coach but does not need the coach to have expertise in your field.
  • The long-term impact of coaching can be evidenced by improved skills, increased self-awareness, and enhanced performance.
  • Moreover, coaching can lead to sustained behavior change and long-lasting personal development.

Mentoring:

  • Mentoring is a relationship-based approach where a more experienced individual supports a less experienced person to develop their personal and professional growth.
  • It can be for a longer period or time.
  • It requires the mentor to have expertise in the skill or knowledge in the areas that mentee requires support with.

However, only use the above as a guide as to which you will pick, but ultimately speaking to a potential coach or mentor to finalize the decision is always preferable!

Following our positive Ofsted inspection in 2017 we were keen to continue to drive improvements, especially to have a cohesive system in place to develop our strategic aims and development plans across education, therapy and care provided at St Rose’s for students with physical disabilities and complex health needs. Jon was recommended as someone who might be able to support us, and we were lucky enough to engage his services in 2018. At the beginning he listened to what we wanted and was able to translate our thoughts into a Strategic Plan and corresponding development plans. This has grown over the last 5 years and we now have a clear process that our self-evaluation feeds into as well as performance reviews for all staff. He has helped us to work with education, therapy and care staff to quality assure our offer. As well as this he has helped us to focus our governance and has provided support and training to our governing body. Jon has supported us to keep up to date with changes in legislation and continues to suggest ways that we can make improvements. He continues to challenge us during each visit and there is no doubt that the quality of what we do has improved as a result. This was borne out in a recent care inspection when we received outstanding for leadership and management. We appreciate the approach he takes which is collaborative and non-threatening and supportive, allowing us to develop processes and strategy.
- Principal
'[Backdrop} has provided me with valuable guidance in how to raise the attainment of PP children in our school. [The] advice has been incredibly important in shaping our PP policies and plans, giving us a solid base on which to build on."
- Primary Assistant Headteacher and PP lead
'... a thorough process which was supportive and encouraged reflection. JG was warm and supportive. He listened well and made thoughtful contributions..'
- Headteacher, Secondary
'I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the SEND Review process. [Backdrop Leadership] has provided clear guidance regarding how to conduct the reviews and the areas to explore. As a result, I am confident that I have gained an overview of both the strengths of SEN provision within [the area] and the areas that require focus during the coming year.'
- Multi Academy Trust - Strategic SENDCo
'Backdrop has helped us to develop our content to support raising standards for our education clients. As well as providing value for money they are extremely knowledgeable and professional. We look forward to working with them more in the future as they continue to work with us in improving educational outcomes.'
- Multi Academy Trust - CEO