Mentoring vs. coaching in support for PA and EA career growth

PAs and EAs are dedicated professionals, who are always seeking ways to enhance their skills, increase their job satisfaction and advance their careers. With 27 October marking @National Mentoring Day National Mentoring Day, now is an ideal time to explore the role that both mentoring and coaching can play in the professional development of administrative professionals, particularly those that are feeling stuck, undervalued, lacking confidence and unsure of how to advance in their career. Lisa Wood, at Dream Big - Business and Career Support Services Dream Big - Business and Career Support Services, talked to PA Life about the mentoring vs. coaching in support for PA and EA career growth…

In the fast-paced and demanding roles that PAs and EAs occupy, it is common at some point to experience a challenge or obstacle that they are finding difficult to overcome. Although being resourceful and problem solving are key strengths of PAs and EAs, some dedicated support in the form of a mentor or coach can help you get to where you want to be more quickly.

Below we look at the differences between mentoring and coaching, the value and impact they can have, how to identify which one you may need and how to go about finding the right coach or mentor for you.

The evolution of mentoring and coaching

Historically coaching and mentoring were targeted at senior executives and Board members, but due to the recent growth of the sector, these services are now more accessible and widely available to all levels of an organisation. According to a recent report (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024), 47% of companies are planning to invest in career mentoring and coaching. This shows that many are now embracing a culture of support and continuous improvement, where openness, self-awareness and reflection can transform staff morale, confidence and wellbeing – which in turn can improve performance, productivity and revenue, as well as increase staff retention.

The value of mentoring

Mentoring is usually a long-term relationship, where an experienced professional provides guidance and advice to a less experienced individual. This is usually informal, focused on nurturing and providing wisdom from real-world experiences in a similar role, fostering a sense of belonging in the profession. Mentoring relationships can help PAs and EAs build confidence, develop critical skills and navigate workplace dynamics.

The impact of coaching

Coaching is a more formal and structured relationship, with a focus on achieving clear, measurable objectives, led by a trained coach. A coach will not provide any direction. They will hold the space, listen and ask thought-provoking questions and use frameworks and techniques to get you thinking differently. The aim is for you to become more self-aware, identify and overcome barriers, transform your mindset, confidence and resilience. A coach can help keep you accountable and on track to achieve your goals.

What’s better? Mentoring vs. coaching in support for PA and EA career growth

Coaching and mentoring can help many of the challenges that PAs and EAs commonly face. These can include career stagnation, work-life balance or limited growth opportunities but there may also be other challenges in the work place around time management, communication or resilience.

Whether you need a mentor or coach will depend on where you are in your career and exactly what you need help with and the timeline you are looking to work to.

Evaluate Your Goals: If you have specific career goals, such as improving leadership skills, managing time better or transitioning to a new role, a coach can offer targeted strategies and accountability to help you achieve those objectives. On the other hand, if you’re seeking broader career advice, industry insights or long-term guidance, a mentor might be the better fit.

Consider the Timeframe: Coaching is typically a short-term, goal-oriented engagement focused on immediate challenges and outcomes. If you’re looking for quick, focused improvements in specific areas, coaching is ideal. Mentoring, however, is often a long-term relationship that evolves over time, making it a great choice if you’re seeking ongoing career development and support.

Identify the Type of Support You Need: If you’re looking for structured feedback, skill development and professional accountability, a coach can provide this in a formal setting. Mentors, by contrast, offer informal advice and wisdom based on their own experiences, making them valuable for personal growth and broader career trajectory guidance.

Assess Your Current Career Stage: Early in your career, a mentor can help you navigate the industry and build your professional network. As you progress, a coach can be valuable when you face specific challenges or need to refine your leadership abilities and personal effectiveness in the workplace.

Determine the Relationship You Want: If you’re looking for a more personal connection with someone who has “been there,” mentoring might be the right choice. However, if you want a more professional, structured relationship that is focused on actionable career strategies, coaching could be more suitable.

How to find the right mentor or coach

Finding the right mentor or coach is essential to ensure that the relationship is productive and aligned with your personal and/or professional growth. Not every coach or mentor will be the right fit for every mentee or coachee, so it is important to do your research and take time to consider your options.

Some organisations have internal mentoring and coaching programmes or utilise external company sponsored programmes, so you may not have as much choice as if you were investing yourself. ?Most coaches and mentors will offer a chemistry or discovery call, which is essentially an introductory meeting to check if you are a good match. You need to feel ?that a safe and trusted space can be provided so that you are comfortable being open and honest, to get the best out of the sessions.

Joining a PA and EA association, such as The Executive & Personal Assistants Association (EPAA) or industry specific PA/EA networks such as PA Life Club can be a great way to connect with potential mentors. These organisations often have formal mentorship programs that match experienced professionals with those looking for guidance. PA Life Club also has a mentoring programme for its members.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding both mentors and coaches. For mentors, search for seasoned PAs or EAs who have the experience you aspire to, and reach out to them with a thoughtful message explaining your desire for guidance. When seeking a coach, LinkedIn allows you to explore profiles of professional career coaches and read reviews from their past clients. Recommendations are also a reliable way to source a client or mentor and LinkedIn is an ideal place for this.

The European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) also has a directory of experienced and accredited coaches.

The role of employers in supporting mentoring and coaching

One of the key factors in the career development of PAs and EAs is the support and resources they receive from their employers. While mentoring and coaching are often viewed as personal investments, there’s a growing recognition of the value these services bring to organisations, particularly in enhancing the skills and effectiveness of their administrative teams. Forward-thinking companies are increasingly offering mentoring and coaching programs as part of their broader talent development initiatives – acknowledging the pivotal role that PAs and EAs play in business success.

For employers, providing access to mentoring and coaching for their PAs and EAs isn’t just a benefit for the individual – it’s an investment in the organisation’s overall productivity and efficiency. Studies have shown that employees who receive tailored development support are more engaged, motivated and likely to stay within the company. This is particularly important in roles like PAs and EAs, where high performance has a direct impact on the smooth functioning of leadership teams and the organisation as a whole.

Several organisations across different sectors have recognised the value of structured mentoring and coaching programs for their PAs and EAs. Companies that have implemented such initiatives often report increased retention rates, higher employee satisfaction and improved performance. For example, large corporations like Deloitte and PwC have long-established reverse mentoring programs that match senior executives with junior staff to facilitate knowledge-sharing and leadership development.

If you’re a PA or EA looking to advance your career through mentoring or coaching, it’s worth considering how your employer can support you in this journey. While many companies offer formal development programs, others may not have yet explored the full benefits of providing such opportunities to their administrative teams.

Additionally, if your company already offers career development packages for other departments, it could be worth suggesting that these initiatives be extended to include business support staff. Whether it’s introducing a formal mentoring scheme or offering one-on-one coaching sessions with an external career coach, the right development package can unlock greater potential in administrative professionals and help companies retain top talent in these crucial roles.

In today’s competitive and evolving business landscape, the role of a PA or EA is more vital than ever. By investing in your professional growth through mentoring or coaching, you can not only overcome challenges but also unlock new opportunities, boost your confidence and position yourself for long-term success. Whether you seek a mentor’s guidance or a coach’s structured support, taking that step towards personal development can be transformative for your career.

National Mentoring Day is a great reminder that the resources and support are out there, and now is the perfect time to explore how they can benefit you. Don’t wait for the next opportunity – create it!

?

About Dream Big – Career Support

Providing tailored coaching and mentoring services to ambitious Personal and Executive Assistants and other admin professionals – to help them achieve their career goals, reach their potential and have a fulfilled working life.

www.dreambig-careersupport.co.uk

www.dhirubhai.net/in/lisa-wood-dream-big

?