In offering definitions for the following forms of professional support, we wish to emphasize the importance of developing mutually respectful and trusting relationships with the goal of enhancing professional well-being and career sustainability for all members of our community of anesthesiologists.
~ASA Ad Hoc Committee on Mentoring
Coaching: The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires others to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is future-focused, and the relationship is based on a trusting relationship of equals.
- International Coaching Federation core coaching competencies may be found on the ICF website.
- Unlike mentoring, coaching does not offer advice or counsel but allows the coachee to formulate their own solutions.
- A “coaching approach” may be taught for use in mentoring.
Mentorship: A process by which a person (mentor) guides another (mentee) by sharing expertise, skills, and/or knowledge for the benefit of the mentee. While mentoring relationships can be initiated by either a mentor or mentee, the mentor provides the expertise and the mentee drives the process.
- Mentors listen, provide insight, and share advice and counsel but do not necessarily coach or sponsor their mentee.
- Mentees may have multiple mentors with differing capabilities and perspectives
- A mutually beneficial or reciprocal role of mentors and mentees can exist, where both derive benefit from the relationship.
Sponsorship: A sponsor is someone who actively uses their influence or resources to advocate for enhanced visibility and opportunity for another.
- A sponsor generally operates in circles that exceed your own
- Sponsorship has traditionally been less available for members of marginalized groups
Allyship : Providing supportive advocacy on behalf of another individual or group, specifically members of marginalized or underrepresented groups to which one does not belong