1.2: Clarifying Definitions

Let’s Take a Deeper Look

Definitions are a wonderful place to start no matter what the context is. It allows the readers to be aligned and "on the same page." Definitions typically clarify meaning and allow one’s understanding to be more specific. Thus, we shall examine the definitions of supervising, mentoring, coaching, and leadership; and then, we shall investigate their similarities and differences. These definitions will help us weave together an understanding of what the term "Mentor/Coach" means. Let's start by looking at the history and the definitions of these four words.

Defining Supervision

The term "supervision" came into common usage in the 1600s. It came from the Medieval Latin word, "supervisionem" (nominative supervisio). It was derived from the word "supervidere," which meant to "oversee" or "inspect." There is no agreed upon definition of supervision, but we shall go ahead and attempt to define supervision as "a process of professional learning and development that enables individuals to reflect on and develop their knowledge, skills, and competence, through agreed and regular support with another professional."

The term supervision can have a negative connotation. It is a word that is comprised of two words, "super" and "vision." The word "super" connotes the meaning of being "superior" or "extra." Super is a Latin word that literally means "from the above." The word vision means to have "sight or perspective." Thus, the literal meaning of the term "supervision" is to have someone (or a group) that is "superior" or "above you," to "oversee" or to "inspect" work. Within this mind frame, supervision will ultimately determine whether the employee's job performance or work is adequate or not. In management, supervision means overseeing the subordinates at work with authority and with an aim to guide the employees, if they are doing something wrong. The word implies catching an employee making mistakes, instead of looking for what the employee does well and excels in.

Supervision includes the direction, guidance, and the overseeing of the professional learning and development of a person, typically an employee in a work setting, to strengthen a company or team and facilitate accomplishing assigned work. This often requires planning and keeping a timed schedule. In the ordinary sense of the term, supervision means to oversee the activities of others. Supervision, when done well, is a process of facilitating professional learning and development that enables individuals to reflect on and develop their knowledge, skills, and competence. This is achieved through agreed and regular support and meetings with another professional.

Defining Mentoring

Mentoring theory is a concept that originated in ancient Greek literature where it related to an older, wiser man supporting a less experienced younger one. The word "mentoring" has an origin that comes from the word "Mentor," who was the son of Alcimus, in Homer's Odyssey. Since the 1970s, the concept of mentoring has spread in the United States and has an association with advancing workplace equity for women and minorities.

The meaning of the word "mentor" has traditionally signified a special person in one's life, who, through actions and words, gives help and advice to a less experienced, and perhaps a younger, person. The mentor helps the mentee, the one being mentored, to reach their higher potential and influences the mentee’s personal and professional growth and development (Noland, 2007). Mentoring is a relationship-based process between colleagues in a similar profession. The mentor should hold adult learning knowledge and skills, which provide guidance or scaffolding to the mentee. This relationship, hopefully, will result in an increase in an individual's personal and professional efficacy (Chu, 2014). In an early childhood environment, the meetings and conversations will usually take place in the classroom, without the children, the boss, or parents present (Gaspar & Walker, 2020).

According to Chu (2014), a mentor is a "respected, experienced person who supports and nurtures the growth of someone who is less experienced" (p. 6).

Most traditional mentorships involve having senior employees mentor more junior employees, but mentors do not necessarily have to be more senior than the people they mentor. What is important is that the mentors have experience that others can learn from.

Defining Coaching

The word "coaching" originated in the 16th century and initially referred to a method of transportation, specifically a horse-drawn carriage (AKA- coach). It is derived from the Hungarian word "kosci," which meant a carriage from the village of Kocs. This village was known for producing high-quality carriages. Over time, the term "coaching" transitioned from its literal transportation context to metaphorically represent the process of guiding and supporting individuals in their personal and professional development.

The first use of the term "coach" in connection with an instructor or trainer arose around 1830 at Oxford University. "Coach" was slang for a tutor who "carried" a student through an exam. The word "coaching" thus identified “a process used to transport people from where they are to where they want to be.”