Critical Comparison of Coaching ?v' Mentoring
The scope of this assignment is to critically compare and contrast the two approaches, reflecting on the relevance and value of each, to apply this to my organisation where possible and to offer recommendations where appropriate.
Introduction
Coaching
Coaching can take many forms, life coaching, business coaching, performance coaching etc. As with mentoring and counselling it is about helping the individual to gain self awareness, but it is goal focused and action is required so that the individual can move forward. The goal setting process has two components: skill development and psychological development. The outcome sought is that the "coachee" will achieve the goals set, and will thereafter feel able and confident to set personal goals for themselves (Passmore 2003, p31).4ed
The CIPD defines Coaching as; ?developing a person's skills and knowledge so that their job performance improves, hopefully leading to the achievement of organisational objectives. It targets high performance and improvement at work, although it may also have an impact on an individual's private life. It usually lasts for a short period and focuses on specific skills and goals.'
Mentoring
The word "mentor" comes from the The Odyssey, written by the Greek poet Homer. As Odysseus (Ulysses" in the Latin translation) is preparing to go to fight the Trojan war, he realises he is leaving behind his one and only heir, Telemachus. Since Telemachus is only of primary school age, and since wars tended to drag on for many years, Odysseus recognises that Telemachus needs to be coached on how to be king whilst he is off fighting. He engages a family friend named Mntor to be his sons tutor. Mentor is bot ...