Coaching – The focus is on meeting very specific objectives within a set period of time. Coaching is mainly concerned with performance and the development of certain skills. It usually takes place on a one-to-one basis and has a very specific purpose. There is usually a planned programme with a much shorter timeframe than in mentoring.

Mentoring – Mentoring is an indefinite, relationship based activity with several specific but wide ranging goals. It does not have a formal process. The mentor is a facilitator who works with either an individual or a group of people over an extended time period.. The agenda is open and continues to evlove over the longer term.

Mentoring and coaching can be “stand alone” activities, but they can also be used to complement each other.

“A coach has some great questions for your answers: a mentor has some great answers for your questions”   – BREFI Group