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Comparing training, coaching, mentoring, teaching and tutoring

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Mauro Sotille Chair, Senior Consultant / Project Manager| PM Tech Consulting Porto Alegre, Rs, Brazil
We know that there are differences between the interactions of training, coaching, teaching, mentoring and tutoring. All have their place when the aim is problem solving and development.

Some differences between them are:

Training – to help a person master a specific skill in a direct (or “hands on”) interaction.

Coaching – for a specific skill, but now in an indirect (or “hands off”) interaction. coaching is job-focused and performance oriented.

Teaching – increase capability in a general suite of skills through direct interactions.

Mentoring – builds capability in general skills through indirect interactions. Mentors in either a formal mentoring program or informal relationship focus on the person, their career and support for individual growth and maturity. A mentor also serves as an example to emulate.

Tutoring – is a term used in academic circles for assisting individuals who are behind in their studies or are having problems acquiring the concepts in a large group environment. A tutor must have a proficiency in the subject matter.

What do you think about these definitions?

What is your opinion / suggestion / references about the difference between training, coaching, mentoring, teaching and tutoring in terms of duration, frequency of meetings, experience, focus, etc?
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Anupam India
Training - undertaking to acquire a skill (as required)
Coaching - supporting or providing guidance to someone (as required)
Teaching - providing education, ideas, principles (as required)
Mentoring - showing the right direction (as required)
Tutoring - instructing or providing lessons separately (as required)
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NEHRU NAGAPPAN PM Consultant| Project Leadership Academy Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
:) I recall, albeit lightheartedly, on my coach's definition and the difference of training and education.

You may give sex education to your child, but not sex training!
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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada
I've seen people who flip coaching and mentoring's definitions.

Mentoring is about helping people think through what they need and what they need to do.
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Mayte Mata Sivera PMO Leader | Speaker | Author Ut, United States
As Stépane said, Coaching and mentoring sometimes are used indistinctly.

While Mentoring is relationship oriented, Coaching is task oriented.

Mentoring is always long term. Mentoring, to be successful, requires time in which both partners can learn about one another and build a climate of trust that creates an environment in which the mentoree can feel secure in sharing the real issues that impact his or her success. Successful mentoring relationships last nine months to a year.

Coaching is short term.
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Aaron Porter
Community Champion
IT Director| Blade HQ Payson, UT, United States
Some of the confusion between the items listed is probably due to the potential for overlap. Teachers can tutor and train. An effective mentor uses coaching techniques, as appropriate. Teachers can, as well.
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LORI WILSON RETIRED - Technical Project Manager| RETIRED - LifePoint Health Clarkston, Wa, United States
Hello Mauro: Thank you for starting this discussion. I recently had a very rewarding mentoring experience and I would add the words "INSPIRING" and "MOTIVATING" to your description. I feel re-energized as a PM to continue building, growing and developing my career after having this mentoring experience.

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