What’s the difference between a mentor and a business coach?

The terms ‘mentor’ and ‘business coach’ are often used interchangeably; but, they are entirely different. Whilst the skills required are similar, and both are used as professional development tools, the structure and the outcome are pretty different.

So, what’s the difference between a mentor and a business coach. How do you know which one your business needs?

Mentor

“I’ve done it before. Let me guide you. Learn from the mistakes I have already made and the wins I’ve had.”

Experience is essential to be a business mentor. Someone who can speak to their real-life experience. A good mentor must be willing to share their wins and their stuff-ups. They are generally focused on the individual development of their mentee and less focused on the organisation as a whole.

A mentor is someone you would catch up with regularly to pick their brains on particular challenges you face and have them share their similar past experiences.

Business coach

A business coach is often introduced when a business is approaching a particular milestone and needs some guidance. For example, if you are expanding your business into a new market or want some clarity around your overall business goals, a business coach is the perfect guide for you.

Business coaching with adapt

adapt's coaches work with you to discover your business challenges and issues, diagnose the cause, design a strategy, and then help you deliver on that. This cycle of discovering, diagnosing, designing and delivering is perpetual and is at the core of all good planning and coaching. A cycle could take a year, a quarter, or it could happen within a single leadership meeting or a coaching conversation.

Your adapt coach is becoming your trusted but independent advisor to you and your business throughout the process.

We don’t come in and tell you what to do; we work in partnership and facilitate to draw out the knowledge you already have in the room within your leadership team. We will then help you develop the skills and behaviours necessary to build your business resilience and continue on your path.

If you would like to hear more about adapt and how we can help you, get in touch or check out the testimonials.