Counsellor, Coach, Mentor may sound like the same. But are not...
One needs to understand the terms, more carefully.
'Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.'
The definition by Eric Parsloe, tells us " everything " about mentoring. Like it is the responsibility of the mentee, it is for the purpose of development or growth.
Is mentoring is Counselling?
Mentoring is not counselling, because there is an assumption that the mentees involved in mentoring are well enough to engage in it on the above terms. If a mentee has sufficient emotional difficulties they will either need a trained counsellor to provide them with support in addition to a highly trained mentor or will simply need counselling.
Is mentoring is Coaching?
Mentoring isn't coaching either. Mentors do offer some of their life experiences and knowledge to help mentees, but still try not to be directive or to take too much control of the relationship. Coaching typically requires minimal and highly controlled sharing of experience and knowledge.
It is important to recognize, however, that the skills involved in mentoring, coaching, and counseling have a huge overlap, of which empathy, listening, and asking questions are key.
If you want to be a 'good mentor', try to employ these skills whenever possible. Or if you are looking for a ' good mentor', then these skills will guide you to find the best one.
1. Listening Actively
2. Building Trust Trust is built over time.
3. Determining Goals and Building Capacity
4. Encouraging and Inspiring
Happy Mentoring
Do connect with us, if you are looking for or want to be "ONE "