What is the difference between Coaching and Mentoring?

Somebody helped you get where you are today. They took an interest in you; shared their experience, wisdom and knowledge. They might even have lent you a hand, rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to contribute to your success. This person is a mentor, an experienced and trusted adviser.  And therein lies the difference between coaching and mentoring advice.

A coaching relationship, on the other hand, is a partnership of equals. Its collaborative and co-creative - the coach is not ‘ahead’ but walks side by side with the client inviting client to draw on their own wisdom and follow their inner guidance. There are both formal and informal mentoring relationships. In a business setting, mentoring is a formal relationship that is established with someone who is an expert in his or her field. Like consulting, mentoring involves passing on the benefit of a set of specific experiences. There are also coaches, that work internally as well as on a contract basis, with employees of a company and organization.

Source: http://www.icoachacademy.com/