Mentoring, coaching, consultation and supervision can often be used interchangeably; however, they are distinct activities, used for different purposes with different accountabilities.
Mentoring
Mentoring describes a relationship in which a more experienced colleague shares their greater knowledge to support the development of an inexperienced individual. Mentoring is typically a long-term, relationship-based process focused on career development and personal growth. Its goals are twofold:
• transferring knowledge and skills
• offering an opportunity for emotional support, confidence-building, and networking
Coaching
Coaching is a collaborative process focusing on specific skills and goals mutually defined by the coach and coachee. It is a structured, goal-oriented process that is typically performance-driven and focuses on specific results within a set timeframe.
Consultation
The Standards of Practice define consultation as “a problem-solving process in which professional expertise is offered to an individual, group, organization or community.” In a professional practice context, consultation is a process that occurs between two or more professionals, where one is seeking help, insight, or assistance regarding a particular matter or problem. The focus is narrow and specific. Advice or guidance provided may or may not be put into action.
Supervision
The Standards of Practice defines supervision as “the professional relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee that includes evaluation and direction over the services provided and promotes the continued development of the supervisee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide services in an ethical and competent manner.” In a supervisory relationship, the supervisor is responsible for the supervisee’s practice and can provide direction the supervisee must follow.