The first question is:
What is the difference between a coach and a mentor?
Sometimes the terms 'coach' and 'mentor' are used interchangeably.
This is because coaching and mentoring are both one-to-one relationships between a client and a trusted advisor in a setting of confidentiality, personal development, and mutual respect.
However, there are differences in the approaches taken in coaching and mentoring.
Business coaching is a collaborative and non-directive process where coaches ask thought-provoking and insightful questions that help clients understand themselves better and create their own path to success by drawing upon their own wisdom and creativity.
By contrast, mentoring is a often a more directive process where mentors also share their own knowledge, advice, and contacts to enable clients to meet their goals with help and guidance.
Some individuals are trained in both coaching and mentoring and can transition between the two approaches as the need arises.
The second question is:
What should you look for in a coach or mentor?
These are the prerequisites:
1. Coaching and/or mentoring qualifications and accreditations.
2. A verifiable track record of achievement in the business environment.
3. Testimonials from satisfied clients.
Before choosing a coach or mentor you should also run through the '5C's' checklist:
Competence
Can you verify that your coach or mentor has the technical and human skills to be able to help you?
Credibility
Do other people recognize your coach or mentor as having these skills and also being a great person to work with?
Confidence
Have you gained the confidence that your coach or mentor will achieve good results working with you, too?
Care
Do you believe that your coach or mentor will care enough to help you achieve your goals, working with you on your terms?
And last, but not least.
Chemistry
Do you get on with your coach or mentor? Do you trust him/her? Will you enjoy your journey together?
Having verified the prerequisites and gone through the '5C's' checklist, you can be confident that you'll be making the right choice.
Did you know that there are some amazing business coaches and mentors within the Cambridge Network?
For example, Chris Dunn.
He passionately believes in the 5Cs.
His credentials include:
1. 37 years at the sharp end of business developing, marketing, and selling products and services locally, nationally, and internationally.
2. More than 20 years of experience mentoring and coaching individuals and teams.
3. Certified to coach and mentor at an Executive and Senior Level.
4. Full member of the Association of Business Mentors and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.
5. Highly recommended by senior managers in larger businesses as well as leaders in the SME sector.
You can find out more in this short video.
Chris can offer both executive coaching and professional business mentoring.
So go ahead and book your free discovery call.
In summary, not all coaches and mentors are equal.
So, it pays to choose wisely.
For more information on business coaching and business mentoring, please visit our website.
