Coaching and Mentoring
They are positive, “helping” forms of development which offer personalised, 1:1 support to enable movement and action in work based issues and career development.
In bringing diversity to our coaching and mentoring approaches, we have a number of collaborations in place with other universities:
- Coaching – Collaboration with University College Cork
- Mentoring – Collaboration with IUTN (coming soon)
Are Coaching and Mentoring the same thing?
Coaching and mentoring have many similarities, for example, at the heart of both lies a relationship based on mutual trust and respect, and they both use listening and questioning skills to help the coachee or mentee reach solutions. However, they also have key distinguishing differences – check the table here to allow you to choose which may work best for you.
Coaching |
Mentoring |
Non –directive – Coach may facilitate the individual reaching their own solutions through a “thinking partner” approach |
Can be directive – Mentor may give guidance and advice based on experience |
Short term and timebound |
May be an ongoing long term relationship |
Relies on questioning/listening skills of coach |
Relies on experience/seniority of mentor |
Performance Driven - Usually focuses on development of specific skills and goals |
Development driven - Typically focuses on wider career and personal development |
Structured with agreed meeting dates |
Informal meetings driven by mentee |