A coach is a facilitator of someone’s thought process to create personal change
Through the use of questions and listening coaches enable people to learn about and change what motivates them, and what their beliefs and skills are
A coach helps individuals discover how to get what they want and what the organisation wants
The scope of coaching discussions would generally be limited to the acquiring to a new capability but could also be more generally related to personal career progression
The coach may choose to be directive and give advice based on experience but would usually be more facilitative and draw from the individual’s experience
MENTOR
A Mentor is usually a senior figure inside or outside the organisation who could act as a career guide
Within large organisations, Mentors are often useful for individuals who are potential high flyers as they can help spot opportunities and open doors
Mentors take a long term view, helping individuals discover long term goals and how to reach them
Mentors may tend to meet individuals less frequently than coaches
LEADER
“Leaders do the right things” – i.e. they are effective
A leader has the responsibility managing for a team of individuals to deliver tasks that meet organisational goals
A leader’s role is to create a vision and inspire his/her team to deliver best possible performance through involvement, development, innovation and creativity rather than directing and controlling
A leader changes his/her style of leadership depending on the capability and commitment of the staff member
The more a leader empowers his/her staff to take responsibility where possible and be leaders themselves, the better the leader they are
The leader also acts as a coach to their team for the delivery of team objectives
The leader is a role model
LINE MANAGER
Traditionally, “Line managers do things right” i.e. they are efficient – they establish and manage budgets, resources, people and processes to meet organisational goals
Line managers are focussed on the here and now of getting things done and making things happen
Nowadays in progressive company cultures, a line manager who is responsible for a team, should act as a leader
In company cultures where freedom is not encouraged, line managers take a more directive approach yet still act as role models like leaders
