According to the International Coach Federation, ICF, Coaching is defined as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
And the EMCC definition of mentoring is “Mentoring is a learning relationship, involving the sharing of skills, knowledge, and expertise between a mentor and mentee through developmental conversations, experience sharing, and role modelling. The relationship may cover a wide variety of contexts and is an inclusive two-way partnership for mutual learning that values differences.”
whilst there seem to be some differences, there is an increasing merger of practices and new research raises a very strong case for combining the two. Coaches are often called upon for guidance and advice whilst the ethics of coaching traditionally instructs coaches to remain in coaching mode and refrain from taking this path. On the other hand, a mentor is there to guide, advise, train and instruct but is that not a form of coaching in its own right?
Mentors, historically, have experience in the field of their mentee and have first hand on the job experience of the sector and the role to provide real time examples and scenarios in the workplace for their mentee to follow.
A coach, however, need not be from the same field or sector, probably hasn’t held a role in the same business line and does not provide advice or relate similar scenarios.
But that is changing. Coaches of today are more than sounding boards and supports for executives. They are, more often than not, accredited or trained professionals with a broad range of experience gained in business or other professional fields such as not for profit, education and healthcare.
They may specialise in certain methodologies such as Gestalt, positive psychology or psychodynamics. In fact, there is an even closer affiliation with therapy although the line between therapy, coaching and mentoring is fiercely guarded and respected.
Coaches then can often be mentors, particularly in the field of Executive Coaches. Its not enough to be just a coach. You are now a coach consultant which brings its own level or responsibility. The mentor may also offer coaching.
With executive coaching set to expand 11.9 % in 2025, it is now more in demand than ever and the age of the coach-consultant is here to stay.
If you are interested in finding out more about one to one coaching and 6 months coaching and leadership development programmes, contact us now to see how investing in coaching can help create the impact you need to start your journey to change and success.
© Diane Southwick & Associates 2025