Why a Coach is Not a Consultant
by Ally Moll
Published on this site: July 29th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month
Often while talking to people about my coaching practice (http://www.allymoll.com)
I get asked what the difference is between a coach and a consultant.
Many people believe they are either the same thing or very
similar. This is untrue. There are many distinct differences
between someone who coaches and someone who consults.
First lets start with a definition of both.
Coaching is an interactive relationship with an individual
or team that inspires people to identify and accomplish their
personal and professional goals faster then they could on
their own. Coaches do this in a variety of ways, some of which
include:
- Personalize teaching
- Provocative conversation and questioning
- Expanding awareness
- Designing environments
- Co-creating solutions
Consulting is about giving direct answers to specific questions
or problems. A consultant provides professional advice and
services that he or she develops.
So, what are some examples of differences between coaching
and consulting?
Coaching is about asking all the right questions while consulting
is about having all the right answers. Consultants don't listen
as much as they tell while coaches listen and speak very little.
In coaching, the individual or team chooses the focus of
conversation while the coach is there to listen, ask provocative
questions, make observations and provide advice when asked
for it. Consultants are there to give you their advice and
tell you what to do to fix your problem or reach your goal.
They have all the answers while a coach will co-create a solution
or a path to a specific goal with you.
Consulting usually concentrates on company operations and
corporate concerns while coaching is focused on you as an
individual.
Consultants tend to use one methodology and apply this to
all client projects which works well if you are in an established
industry. Coaches customize their methods to each clients
expressed needs and wants.
The end result of consulting is usually a report containing
a plan of action. A report, or assessment, in coaching is
usually the beginning of the relationship. Consultants expect
you to follow their plan on your own while coaches are there
to help you implement the plan.
It's been my observation that people tend to follow through
better and for longer periods of time when they come up with
the answers to their problems themselves. Coaches help you
do that. A coach does not sell you solutions like a consultant
might. They help you find your own solutions and answers which
makes you more capable and confident in going forward on your
own. Like the old adage says, â?oGive a man a fish and
he has a meal. Teach a man to fish and he has a mean for a
lifetime
Ally Moll is a Life and Creativity Coach located in
South Central Wisconsin. She offers one on one coaching to
artists and women who want to incorporate more creativity
in their lives. Ally helps creative women who are small business
owners to create balance between their personal and business
lifeand focus their efforts to build their companies faster.
To learn more about her and her services visit http://www.allymoll.com
or sign up for her newsletter at http://www.allymoll.com/newsletter.
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