" We are better than we know.
If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives
we will be unwilling to settle for less. "
Mentors are people with whom you can share triumphs, defeats and new ideas, receiving in turn guidance, a non-judgemental audience and constructive criticism.
History
The original Mentor is a character in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. When Odysseus, King of Ithaca went to fight in the Trojan War, he entrusted the care of his kingdom to Mentor. Mentor served as the teacher and overseer of Odysseuss' son, Telemachus.
Definition
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a mentor as "a trusted counselor or guide."
Mentoring is about one person helping another to achieve something. More specifically, something that is important to them. It is about giving help and support in a non-threatening way, in a manner that the recipient will appreciate and value and that will empower them to move forward with confidence towards what they want to achieve. Mentoring is also concerned with creating an informal environment in which one person can feel encouraged to discuss their needs and circumstances openly and in confidence with another person who is in a position to be of positive help to them.
Coach, Mentor: Is there a difference?
|
| |
Mentor |
Coach |
| Focus |
Individual |
Performance |
| Role |
Facilitator with no agenda |
Specific agenda |
| Relationship |
Self selecting |
Comes with the job |
| Source of influence |
Perceived value |
Position |
| Personal returns |
Affirmation |
Performance |
| Arena |
Life |
Skills/Task related |
Mentors in an informal relationship focus on the person, their career and support for individual growth and maturity while the coach is job-focused and performance oriented.
Mentoring is a power free, two-way mutually beneficial relationship. Mentors are facilitators and teachers allowing the protégé to discover their own direction.
A coach has a set agenda to reinforce or change skills and behaviors. The coach has an objective/goals for each discussion.
One of the most valuable assets your life and your career can have is a good mentor.
Request more information: 
© 1996-2010 Dieter Langenecker
Leadership Mentoring
In der Ey 22, Postfach 578
CH-8047 Zürich, Schweiz
Tel/Fax: +41 (0)44 355 3737
eMail: we4u@langenecker.com
SiteMap
|
