In today’s competitive business environment, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to rise to the top of your game without some form of mentorship or coaching. We are starting to get to the point where the debate is not whether you need a coach or not, but rather, should you use an internal mentor or an external coach.
In small companies, scope and capacity for internal mentors is limited due to the size and structure of the business. An external coach provides the additional perspective that is often lacking in a small business leadership team. However, in large organisations, there is definitely a place for both types of coaching. Internal mentorship is often preferable for mid-level management and high potential candidates. However, an external coach is often the choice of senior executives.
What works for you?
Internal mentorship
PROS
- The major benefit of internal mentors is the cost factor as the mentor is already earning a salary. Mentorship of up and coming employees should form part of the role, without having to incur additional expenses.
- Higher ranking directors and managers have technically “been there, done that” and understand what it takes to rise to the next level. They are well placed to advise those following in their footsteps.
- Internal mentors are relevant where industry context, office politics and corporate culture needs to be considered in the growth of the individual.
- The internal mentor is on site, on the scene and in a better position to observe everyday engagement and behaviour. This means issues can often be addressed immediately rather than waiting for the next coaching session.
- Because an internal mentor is known to the employee, trust could be built quicker.
CONS
- The major disadvantage of internal mentorship is that the mentor is often too close to the situation to offer an objective third party view, free from personal bias.
- An internal mentor won’t have a fresh approach and different ways of thinking.
- Internal mentors don’t have the experience and skills set to coach employees and are often growing and learning in the role.
- The internal mentor has day to day operational responsibilities that they need to set aside to assist someone else.
- A fish rots from the head. Sometimes team performance and challenges are a direct result of a problem in the senior management leadership style. In this case, an internal mentor would merely be creating clones of more ineffective leaders.
External coach
PROS
- The primary benefit of an external coach is the offer of an outside perspective that a third party brings to the table. As a result, that they can often see things that are not obvious to the individual’s manager or to people embedded in the organisation’s culture and processes.
- An external coach is politically neutral, with no vested interests or personal bias. He or she is therefore better at maintaining objectivity and confidentiality.
- External coaches coach for a living. It’s their primary area of expertise, they often have more experience in coaching, and a bigger skill set and toolbox at their disposal.
- Candidates often feel more comfortable speaking openly and honestly to a neutral party. In addition, an external coach is more adept at providing sensitive feedback.
- An external coach has no other distractions with other internal responsibilities. Coaches have the task of focusing solely on the executive’s growth and their reputation and livelihood depends on the success of the coaching programme. (Read more benefits of business coaching)
CONS
- External coaches are an expense, albeit an investment in high potential employees
- An outsider will be unfamiliar with the social norms of the company’s people and processes. This lack of intimate knowledge and understanding can sometimes slow down the trust building process with the employee.
- Coaching sessions are structured and intermittent. The coach is often unable to observe the executive in action.
- Suggestions from the external coach might not fit the company culture.
Who do you turn to for advice and guidance? Whether you have an internal mentor or an external coach, everyone needs someone to hold them accountable. Take an external coach for a test drive… call me today.
