The Business Bulletin Issue #8 - Focus On Strategy & Personal Development

Page 37

The Business Bulletin

What’s the difference between a mentor, coach and advisor? Mentor. Coach. Advisor. We often hear these three words and job titles in the business world in a myriad of conversations, articles and reports. However, what do they actually do and why is it important to know the difference between them? Firstly, they are all different. The

provide information and direction. Is

roles can be fluid which is why

the distinction becoming clearer?

there is often some confusion

From a personal perspective and

over the differences in approach

my own experience, I doubt it! All

but fundamentally, the roles have

three ‘titles’ have usually undergone

different skills and attributes which

training, had experience of business

have their own benefits to clients

or corporate life and will have an

and supporting businesses. It is

intention to want to help you to

crucial to understand which role

succeed. So how do you know who

covers what aspects to ensure that

to work with and how to bring

you engage the correct person to

someone on board to help you and

support you – or that you market

your business?

yourself (if you are a mentor, coach or advisor) in the right area.

Much of this relates to personal chemistry and that sounds as though

If you’re looking for someone

it is going to be harder to assess.

who has ‘been there and done

Leaving that aside, temporarily, I

that’, a mentor could be the

would always recommend that you

best option. However, if you

think about what you are looking to

want someone to help

achieve from this relationship. Make a list – is it important to you that

you clarify your goals and encourage and

they have an understanding of your sector? (it shouldn’t matter, but if

challenge you to

you are new to working with a coach,

achieve those goals, look to

mentor or advisor it is important

a coach. An

to understand the credentials of

advisor, on the

someone and that can translate to

other hand, and

sector experience or the leadership

often a business

level of people they have worked

consultant, may

with previously, for example). Do

well have particular

you want to know who else they

specialisms where they can

have worked with? Do they have any

Issue 8 – Strategy and Personal Development | 37


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The Business Bulletin Issue #8 - Focus On Strategy & Personal Development by Paul Green - Issuu