1. Mentor or Coach?
Stephen Duns
In some circles there is debate about the terms “mentor” and “coach”. Some argue they are
interchangeable and some argue there is a difference. I am in the latter camp and use the work of
Gregory Bateson as the basis of my argument. Gregory Bateson formulated the concept of logical
levels of learning, based on the work of Bertrand Russell in logic and mathematics. The terms “logical
levels” was adapted from Bateson’s work by Robert Dilts in his work with Neuro-Linguistic
Programming in the mid 1980’s and refers to a hierarchy of processes within an individual or group.
The purpose of each level in the hierarchy is to synthesise, organise and direct the interactions on
the level below it. Each level has a relevant support role that helps people to successfully change,
grow and evolve at different levels, as described below.
Bateson Level of Learning Function Support Role
Purpose For Whom? For What? Sense of
contribution
Awakener
Identity Who? Sense of self Sponsor
Values and Beliefs Why? Belief system – Values and
meaning
Mentor
Capabilities How? Includes methods and
strategies
Teacher
Behaviour What? What I do or have done Coach
Environment Where? Buddy/Guide
Levels of Support for Learning and Change
There are various roles of support and stewardship that help people to successfully change, grow
and evolve at different levels.
Buddy or Guide
Providing support with respect to the environment in which learning takes place. It has to do with
the external or physical context and making sure what is needed id available. An example would be
when a person starts a new job a Buddy could be assigned to help the new starter “learn the ropes”
of where things are, such as toilets, staff room, printers, etc, and what is available in the local area,
such as where the best coffee is, where to get lunch, and maybe where the banks, post office, etc
are nearby.
Coach

2. Coaching is the process of assisting a person to perform at the peak of their existing capabilities. The
classic example is that of a sports coach who helps their team players increase their skill at that
specific game. It involves identifying the person’s strengths through careful observation and
feedback and facilitating them to function as part of a team. Coaching emphasises skills
improvement, concentrating on defining and achieving specific goals.
Teacher
Teaching is about supporting a person to learn and develop new skills and capabilities, especially but
not limited to cognitive skills. A teacher helps a person develop new strategies for thinking and
acting. The emphasis is on new learning rather than refining previous performance. Examples
include typical school and educational environments and training within a work context.
Mentor
Mentors help shape or influence a person’s beliefs and values in a positive way by releasing or
unveiling that person’s inner wisdom. Ideally this type of mentoring becomes internalised so that the
presence of the mentor is no longer necessary, for that particular value or belief. The mentee is able
to carry “inner mentors” as guides for their lives in many situations. In terms of beliefs mentors both
reinforce positive beliefs and enable the mentee to overcome limiting beliefs.
Sponsor
Sponsoring is the process of recognising and acknowledging the identity or essence of another
person. Sponsorship involves seeking and safeguarding potential within others, focusing on identity
and core values. This is accomplished through constantly sending messages like: You exist. I see you.
You are valuable. You are important, special and unique. You are welcome. You belong here. You
have something to contribute. A good sponsor provide the conditions, network and resources that
allow a group or individual to draw on to act, grow and excel.
Awakener
Awakening includes the sense of purpose and vision for a person. An awakener supports another
person by providing contexts and experiences that bring out the best of that person and their
understanding of love, self, spirit and purpose. An awakener puts other people in touch with their
own purpose and identity by being in full contact with their own vision and purpose.
(These descriptors are adapted from the NLPU 100: NLP Course Certification Booklet p16.)
On the above basis a coach enhances existing skills and a mentor focuses on values and beliefs. Of
course, as each level encapsulates any below it, so a mentor is also a teacher and coach.
At what level would you rather work?