Define "mentoring" and differentiate it from coaching.

• A. Mentoring is for feedback only
• B. Mentoring is a long-term relationship focusing on career development
• C. Coaching is short-term and task-focused
• D. Mentoring and coaching are identical

Answer: (B)

Mentoring is a long-term, relationship-based form of guidance where a more experienced person helps you grow professionally and personally, with a strong focus on your career development over time. Because it’s sustained, a mentor can share experiences, provide perspective across different roles, offer networking opportunities, and help you think strategically about where you want to go in your career. This broader, ongoing support contrasts with coaching, which tends to be shorter, more structured, and aimed at specific performance goals or skills. A coach works with you to improve a particular task or capability within a set timeframe, often with defined outcomes. In short, mentoring shapes your overall career path, while coaching targets immediate, concrete improvements.