The European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) defines mentoring as follows:
“A learning relationship that involves the sharing of skills, knowledge and expertise between a mentor and mentee through development conversations, sharing experiences and role modeling. The relationship can cover a wide variety of contexts and is an inclusive, two-way partnership for mutual learning that values differences”.
Coaching and Mentoring share many characteristics, both relying on a structured dialogue. Unlike coaching which is a non-directive intervention, mentoring also allows you to provide directive advice. The mentor can provide specific insights and information, can offer instructions on how to perform particular tasks or develop useful skills.