You’re probably both depending on your relationship with a learner.  There are subtle differences and similarities on the job.  According to A. Reitman and S. Benatti:

> Both are focused on meeting organizational and individual goals.

> Mentoring is more informal, while coaching is more formal.

> Both require trust, respect, open communication, and flexibility.

> Mentoring is talking with the person, while coaching is talking to the person.

> Both use defined roles to achieve desired goals.

> Mentoring is more self-directed, while coaching is more structured.

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