Executive Coaching and Mentoring

The Difference Between Executive Coaching and Mentoring

Executive mentoring and coaching are often mistaken to be a similar field or industry, when in fact they differ quite a lot:

  • Mentoring is an ongoing relationship, whereas a coaching relationship generally has a set duration.
  • Mentoring is informal, while coaching tends to be more structured in nature with meetings scheduled on a regular basis.
  • Mentoring focuses on career growth and personal development and coaching on development and organizational efficiency.
  • A mentor is generally a senior person in the mentee’s organization or someone who can pass on knowledge and experience. A coach need not have direct experience of a person’s organization or role.

ICF Certified - What is ICF?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.

ICF also accredits programs that deliver coach-specific training. ICF-accredited training programs must complete a rigorous review process and demonstrate that their curriculum aligns with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.

But more than that, we’re leading the way to set high standards across the board for the coaching industry and all of its facets. ICF is consistently recognized among coaching professionals worldwide for:

  • Developing coaching core competencies
  • Establishing a professional code of ethics and standards
  • Creating an internationally recognized credentialing program
  • Setting guidelines through accreditation for coach-specific training programs
  • Providing continuous education through world-class events, Communities of Practice (CPs) and archived learning
  • Leading and informing conversations about the future of coaching

  • Executive Coach

    Executive coaches equip you to deal more confidently and competently with critical near-term issues. They help you perfect leadership and management skills which have lasting, immediate impact. Coaching frequently focuses on needs identified in a 360-review conducted by the coach, your company, or an external consultant.
    Executive coaches also provide inspiration, encouragement, and motivation. And they prod you to stay on track with your most vital priorities and objectives.

    Executive coaching centers on outcomes which can be attained in a relatively short period (usually three to six months). As you achieve those outcomes, you may choose to extend the coaching relationship by identifying other areas where executive coaching would benefit you.

    With its focus on discrete, near-term goals, executive coaching is structured to achieve optimal results in a minimum amount of time. Coaching sessions (by phone, virtually, or in person) occur weekly or bi-weekly, typically lasting from 30 to 90 minutes. More intensive schedules can also be accommodated, including two and three hour sessions or day-long “shadowing” by a coach.

  • Mentoring

    By contrast, executive mentoring is generally

    • Broader in scope
    • Longer-running
    • Somewhat less structured
    • and pursues a more open-ended agenda

    Executive mentoring often deals with the broader backdrop of your life and career. Executive mentors may help you work toward goals which are both immediate and long-range, including goals that stretch well into the future.

    ​If we think of executive coaching as sharpening your skills and expanding them, executive mentoring is focused on & imparting wisdom in how to deploy and utilize your skills.

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