For me the difference between mentoring and coaching is 'purpose'.
For this reason I disagree with Megginson's definitions.
The mechanics of a coaching or mentoring conversation could be identical, i.e. using a specific tool or psychological dimension.
Coaching and Mentoring both start with 'Personal Development' and work towards the purpose:
The purpose of coaching: Performance Improvement
The purpose of mentoring: Career progression
This is why peer mentoring is often very effective and coaching someone you have management responsibility for can be less effective.
Hannah
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