I was asked to describe coaching and talk about how it differs from mentoring.

Coaching is a process in which a coach works with an individual or a team to help them achieve their goals and improve specific skills or performance. It involves assessment, setting of objectives, creating a plan of action, and providing support, guidance, and feedback to the individual or team to help them reach their full potential. Coaching can be applied in various areas such as life, career, sports, business, and personal development.

Coaching and mentoring are forms of support and development, but they differ in their focus and approach.

Coaching is a goal-oriented and action-focused process that helps individuals improve their performance and achieve their desired outcomes. The coach works with the client to set goals and develop strategies to reach those goals.

Mentoring involves a more experienced individual sharing their knowledge and experience with a less experienced person. The focus is on the personal and professional development of the mentee, and the relationship is often more personal and long-term.

In general I prefer for the client to establish a way forward of their own as this is more likely to work for them, however, in some cases it is helpful to ask a client for permission to share my thoughts. it is important to discuss what coaching is as part of contracting at the beginning of a session and agreeing a way forward that is client led and which will help them to meet their goals.