Coaching and mentoring are employee development techniques, usually based on one-to-one conversations. Companies use these methods to enhance the skills, knowledge and work performance of their employees.
What is coaching in the workplace?
The objective of coaching usually emphasises on the performance and improvement of an individual at work. It will focus on a more specific set of skills. This technique can have both organisational and individual goals. It is a skilled activity, and therefore delivered by those who are line managers and others trained in this area.
What is mentoring in the workplace?
Mentoring is usually the process in which a more experienced colleague shares their greater knowledge to support the development of those who are inexperienced in their role. Unlike coaching, mentoring will focus on a range of both hard and soft skills. One thing that differentiates mentoring from coaching is the timescale. Mentoring relationships tend to be longer term.
What are the benefits of coaching and mentoring?
Personal Development
Of course, the main benefit of coaching and mentoring is the personal development of employees. It can help to bring those who are less experienced on a topic up to speed, resulting in improved efficiency across the organisation when bringing a new member on to your team.
It will also guide your employees on any expectations, as well as the approaches and techniques that are used within the business.
Team Efficiency
Bringing individuals up to speed with your company’s processes will allow them to work efficiently within their team. They will be able support their other colleagues when needed. Additionally, managers will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and work towards these when setting their responsibilities.
Resolve any issues
Coaching and mentoring provides the opportunity for both parties to bring up any concerns they may have. Ironing these out can reduce any stress or frustrations and improve the job performance early on.
Employee Satisfaction
Job satisfaction generally increases when employees understand their role and the company values better. Making the time to develop your team members will enhance the morale and loyalty to the company. Your employees will feel more valued within the company.
Employee Retention
Increasing your team’s morale and loyalty will mean that you are improving your employee retention. High levels of employee turnover can be very costly. It lowers internal morale and could potentially harm your reputation. With a lack of training and development opportunities being one of the main reasons for employees leaving, taking the time to develop your team could avoid this.
Want to develop your coaching and mentoring skills?
Management roles are becoming even more challenging, with constant change, new technologies and rising customer demand. The ability of a company’s management team could mean the difference between business success and failure.
The B2W Group offers fully-funded distance learning qualifications in the West Midlands, allowing you to complete units from the comfort of your own home. We recently introduced the CMI Level 3 Coaching and Mentoring qualification to our range of courses.
This Level 3 Coaching and Mentoring qualification will develop your first line managers’ skills in coaching and mentoring so that they are able to enhance their skills, knowledge and work performance of their teams.
This course is supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
