What Do You Need, A Coach Or A Mentor?

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I don’t know about you but I have been trying to get answers to this question.  I have used these two words loosely and interchangeable. They are coach and mentor.  Is there a difference between these words?  Confusion again?

There are several definitions for the words mentor and coach.

  A mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

 A coach is to give instruction and advise.  

There is not much difference in the meaning of the two words. 

This is what I think the difference is between the two as it relate to me.  You decide for yourself.

Mentor

In some of my trainings I have often heard the trainer speak about his or her mentor as being someone who is well known and respected.  It always intrigued me that they are personally acquainted with this person.  I have come to understand when they say their mentor it is in the concept of a person they respect and believe in their teachings.  Therefore, I could say Brian Tracy is my mentor.  I have not met him or spoken to him but I have purchased many of his CD programs and I have learned valuable information from his teachings that has helped me in my journey through life.

A mentor can tell me what I should do but I am free to choose not to do it.  A mentor gives me the information I need for growth and allow me to make mistakes, struggle and learn to find my own direction.

If I choose I can have many mentors, living and dead.  Men and women who lived a hundred years ago wrote some of the best books we read today and rely upon.

Coach

If I require a coach I want an individual who is actively involved with me through conversation.  My coach would guide my performance and we would have a specific agenda.   An example would be:  to help me overcome my fear of cold calling and give me specific tasks to work on to alleviate this fear and to hold me accountable for my performance.  Another example of using a coach would be: assisting me in reaching my sales goal for the month.  My coach and I would discuss how to increase my sales, and set goals.  My coach is assessing and monitoring my progress and giving me useful advice and honest feedback, as I need it.  My coach is holding me accountable. 

Bob Nardelli, CEO, Home Depot says, "I absolutely believe that people, unless coached, never reach their maximum potential."

In my opinion, a mentor can be uninvolved in my life and someone I have not communicated with. My coach is actively involved all the way; I have ongoing communication with this person. 

There are some similarities.  I must have trust and respect for my mentors and my coach.   I need both mentors and a coach in my life. 

This is my opinion at this stage in my life.  I am a dynamic changing individual, this to can evolve for me.  What is your thought?

Honor yourself!