How is Coaching Different from Consulting?
Often the terms coaching, mentoring, and consulting are used interchangeably and people are not quite sure what the difference is or if there even is a difference. So what is coaching and how is it different from mentoring or from consulting?
One of the main differences between these three approaches is how much input or control the client has, and how much input comes from their coach, mentor or consultant.
A coach will typically help the client to find their own path, will encourage them to make their own decisions and ask questions to help them arrive at their own conclusions about the best way forward. The coaching process is led by the client, while the coach offers support and asks the client questions to help them figure out which direction they want to move in. On the opposite end of the spectrum sits the consultant. A consultant will offer typically offer the client their expertise in a specific field and suggest concrete solutions. Consulting is led by the consultant, who has the knowledge and is much more directive in their approach than a coach would be. In the middle ground between coaching and consulting is mentoring. A mentor will typically offer their client advice and the benefit of their experience in a given field. In mentoring, both the mentor and the client have a good amount of input and influence on what steps should be taken.
Coaching, mentoring, and consulting can be seen as similar services along the same continuum from most to least client input:
So if you are thinking of working with a coach, mentor, or consultant, how do you know which would be best for you? This will depend on the problem you are trying to solve and whether you think you have everything you need and just feel stuck, or whether there is a lack of knowledge in a certain area.
If you think that you have all the skills and information that you need in order to move forward, but you are not sure how to move forward or you want to get there more efficiently that you could on your own, then a coach may be the best option. They will help you gain clarity on your goals and priorities but will leave all the decisions to you.
If you feel a little out of your depth or that you need help from someone more experienced who has already done what you want to do, then working with a mentor may be better. They will be able to offer you advice, guidance and make suggestions on the steps you should take, but a lot of the input and final decisions will still come from you.
And if you know that you really do not have the knowledge required to solve a specific problem that you want to work on then a consultant may be best placed to help. They will be able to offer you very specific guidance and steps to implement, based on their expertise in a field that you may know very little about. You will have concrete steps that you can put in place and most of the direction comes from the consultant rather than from the client.
