There is one huge difference between coaching and consulting. The consultant is an expert in a particular theory or technique. She helps a person or organization learn how to implement the theory/technique within the organization’s particular circumstances.
The coach guides, rather than directs
A coach, on the other hand, is not trying to direct the client to a pre-chosen destination. The coach may guide the client, but ultimately, the client, with the coach’s help, determines what she wants to accomplish. Rather than provide answers, the coach asks questions that help the client think differently, see new paths, and turn problems into possibilities. Often the coach helps the client to learn new skills and capacities to reach her goals. Most importantly, the coach helps the client to develop — to broaden her understanding of herself, her world, so she can move through life with more grace, increased energy, and clearer purpose.
Coaching and consulting are often confused.
I was once hired to be a business “coach” for a non-profit organization that helps entrepreneurs to start their businesses or to scale-up an already existing business. In this case, although they called it coaching, that was a misnomer. I was actually being hired to do consulting. Most of these people wanted technical assistance. For example, several clients wanted help writing a business plan or developing a marketing scheme.
A coach does not provide answers, but helps the individual develop internal capacities to:
- Understand her values and goals.
- Become more self-aware of how her habits, communication, and actions may be in cross-purpose to her value and goals.
- Develop thoughts and actions that have integrity with her goals and beliefs.
- Become more resilient when external circumstances challenge her goals and beliefs.
Coaching is a little bit like the old proverb: Instead of giving someone a fish, teach them how to fish. I often combine coaching and consulting, depending on what you, as the client, need. Sometimes, you need answers. Sometimes you need questions.