Coaching vs Mentoring in Hockey: What's the Difference?
Back in 2010, I needed to improve my business acumen and lean on someone for guidance in relation to how I ran my business and my marriage. I looked to a mentor and not a coach. Fast forward to two years later and I had a new amibition emerge - completing my first Ironman. I hired a coach and not a mentor.
These were two very unique experiences in my life and both required two completely separate action plans. One needed a mentor. The other needed a coach. Yet, as humans we tend to use these names interchangeably when they are radically different.
What Does This Mean for You?
As a hockey coach or player, you understand the importance of improving your skills and knowledge to reach your full potential. However, when it comes to getting guidance, it is essential to understand the difference between mentoring and coaching.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is like having a wise and experienced guide by your side who can share their knowledge and skills to help you grow. I like to look at the mentoring as the typical Yoda and Luke relationship. It is being mentored by someone “who has been there and done that” and can show you the life skills not acquired from a formal education. For instance, if you are a young player who wants to become a team captain, a mentor can help you develop leadership skills, communication strategies, and problem-solving abilities. This person can teach the extra real world skills needed to succeed in the role. A relationship of this type is usually long term (6-12 months or longer) and can be provided by someone in the organization or outside of it.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is a more structured and short-term approach that helps you address a specific problem or achieve a particular goal. For example, if you are struggling with your skating technique or need to improve your shooting accuracy, a coach can help you develop a plan, provide feedback, and offer drills and exercises to help you improve. Coaching relationships can be internal or external, and they typically last for a few sessions or weeks.
The Key Difference
While mentoring and coaching may seem similar on the surface, they have distinct objectives and outcomes. Mentoring is a long-term practice that helps you develop a range of skills and competencies, while coaching is a short-term intervention that helps you overcome a specific challenge or achieve a particular outcome.
As a hockey coach or player, you can benefit from both mentoring and coaching relationships. Mentors can help you develop a broad range of skills and competencies that will serve you well throughout your career, while coaches can help you address specific challenges and achieve your goals.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between mentoring and coaching is essential for hockey coaches and players who want to grow and succeed. By seeking out the right guidance at the right time, you can build your skills, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals on and off the ice.
