Why a Coach is NOT a Consultant

Often while talking to people about my coaching practice 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, "Give 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

---

Business Career Executive Coaching Article -Motivator, Discipline and Desire

"There is a certain combination of desire and discipline in the way I work. Discipline by itself simply is not enough in the creative process." - Robert De NiroMany of us think of... Read More

Not Blind, Just No Vision

Helen Keller once remarked that there was one thing she knew of that was worse than being blind; it was to be able to see but have no vision.In case you do not... Read More

Your Mindset Determines Your Success in Life

To keep at the top of your game you have to keep a clear head. You can't afford to fill up on news and negativity. The world's overflowin' with it and the only... Read More

Corporate Coaching - Why Coach? C(5)+ED

Is it possible to make a strong "business case for corporate coaching?" Why is coaching vital to organizations? Why should leaders invest time developing their coaching skills? These are tough, important questions that... Read More

Ten Benefits of Having a Relationship Coach

As a Master Certified Relationship Coach, I work with singles to help them attract a great match and with couples to help put their relationships back on track. I hear great feedback from... Read More

3 Tips for a Great Summer - Developing Life & Business While Having a Blast

As the last day of school arrives I feel the same tendency I had as a child... to drop everything and scream "let's go play!" After all, extreme self-care is so important. I... Read More

How Coaches Find Clients Online

At a recent networking meeting Jana asked for a recommendation for a public speaking coach. She was starting to speak in front of audiences, and wanted to polish her presentation skills a bit.... Read More

Listen To Me Lad Says Jack

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, when I was first starting out as an apprentice engineer, I was told to sit next to Jack.Jack was the longest serving Draughtsman in... Read More

Unhook From The Perpetual Progress Grid

I have been a member of a group called the Women in Business Connection (WIBC for short) in Cambridge, MA for about four years. We get together for lunch meetings once a month.... Read More

Leadership Coaching at Gettysburg

The battle at Gettysburg is one of the most notable events in U.S. History. It is a battle where more lives were taken than in any other battle in North America. In this... Read More

Become More Self-Confident

Signs of Self-ConfidenceLet's explore the meaning of self-confidence by taking a quiz. Read the list of statements below and check which ones, in your opinion, are signs of self-confidence.1. Admitting when you are... Read More

Coaching is Asking the Right Questions

Have you ever known anyone who asked themselves "Why me?" over and over every time something happened they didn't like? Or how about, "What did I do to deserve this?" And my favorite,... Read More

Why a Coach is NOT a Consultant

Often while talking to people about my coaching practice I get asked what the difference is between a coach and a consultant. Many people believe they are either the same thing or very... Read More

Use a Journal for Self-Discovery and Self-Expression

As a therapist, I often suggest to clients that they explore their feelings and thoughts by keeping a journal. Sometimes clients ask for a bit of direction with this process. Here are some... Read More

If I Only Had a Heart

I know you probably have heard of the movie, "The Wizard of Oz" right? Well, for those of you, who have somehow managed to miss this movie, let me give you a brief... Read More

Floating In Mindfulness: Dealing With Disappointment

Feeling disappointed? It's time to float.The time-honored approach to disappointment generally involves a fair amount of wallowing followed by a concerted effort to move on. Okay, this can work. But a more mindful... Read More

Whats Up With All These Coaches?

If you are anything like me, you may have noticed a tremendous increase in the number of coaches that have appeared recently. Traditionally, coaches existed primarily in the world of sports, but you... Read More

Successful Implementation of Company Wide Coaching Programmes

Ten years ago I was fortunate enough to be heavily involved in the implementation of a company wide coaching programme, both as an employee who was to receive coaching but also as a... Read More

Take Responsibility for Reshaping Your Life

We say we want to eat better, feel better, and look better. But in order to make our goals materialize, we have to take responsibility for what we want by taking the appropriate... Read More

How to Make $100,000 Dollars as a Personal Trainer ? Part C for Client!

My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years I have counseled thousands of personal trainers, fitness directors and gym owners on how be successful in the health and fitness industry. No... Read More

Loving Every Phenomenal Part of You

Have you ever wished yourself away? I am not referring to leaving your precious life on this Earth; but rather, just wished you weren't a certain way or did not have some particular... Read More

3 Easy Steps to Low Stress Communication

Life is all about choices. And so is the way you communicate. You can fill your days with frustrating high stress communication or you can have days of low stress effective communication with... Read More

W Edwards Deming

Immediately post second world war W Edwards Deming went to Japan to create order from the crisis that was the Japanese economy.In Japan he found fertile ground for a set of ideas that... Read More

Life Coach, Counsellor, or Therapist; - How do I choose?

Life coaching has become fashionable in recent years and there seems to be a big demand for what they offer. Counselling and many forms of therapy are also on offer, these may have... Read More

The Amazing Secret To Ridding Yourself Of Self Consciousness

One of the biggest challenges to developing superior communication skills is that you already have your hands full in those situations where you need help. Take a typical scenario - meeting new people.If... Read More

5 Minute Morning Balance Ritual

"3 Questions, 5 Minutes a Day: Make leaps towards greater balance in one single week with the Shicka Boom 5 Minute Morning Balance Ritual" By Laura Lallone, Certified Life CoachThis article is dedicated... Read More

A Beginner To Beginners

You may be just starting, or contemplating, your first online business. Or, just like me, you may be trying out yet another online business scheme.No doubt you are reading about all those guys... Read More

A Perrverse Confidante

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 15, 2002Dad passed away years ago and Mom lives alone. She is still young and healthy, yet she always plays the victim. I am... Read More

Friends?

I met my friend when we were in graduate school, and we enjoyed hanging out together outside of classes. After receiving our degrees, we both left school to live in different states. That... Read More