In my practice, I do both executive coaching and strategy consulting. While those terms are often mistaken as the same thing, both activities are entirely different exercises with completely different objectives and outcomes. Further, the methodologies and the nature of their engagements are quite distinct as well. Coaching is a longer term and ongoing process; consulting is usually shorter term and more project-oriented. Before we discuss working together, let me explain the difference.

What Is Coaching?

Coaching is a process-oriented approach that focuses on individual or team development. It is a collaborative partnership between a coach and a client, with the coach acting as a facilitator and guide. The primary goal of coaching is to unlock the client's potential, enhance self-awareness, and promote self-discovery. Coaches employ powerful questioning techniques, active listening, and feedback to help clients identify and achieve their personal or professional goals. Unlike consulting, coaching assumes that the client possesses the answers within themselves, and the coach's role is to draw out these insights.

And Consulting?

Consulting, on the other hand, is a solution-oriented approach that involves providing expert advice and guidance to clients. Consultants are typically hired for their specialized knowledge and experience in a specific field. The consulting process revolves around diagnosing problems, analyzing situations, and offering tailored solutions. Unlike coaching, consulting assumes that the client may lack certain knowledge or skills, and the consultant's role is to fill these gaps by providing expert recommendations. Consultants often take a more directive approach, actively contributing solutions and strategies based on their expertise.

Other Key Differences

• Ownership of Solutions:
  • In coaching, the emphasis is on empowering the client to discover their own solutions. The coach facilitates a process of self-reflection and helps the client tap into their potential.
  • In consulting, the consultant is hired explicitly for their expertise, and the client expects them to provide solutions based on their specialized knowledge.

• Nature of Relationship:
  • Coaching relationships are typically collaborative and focused on the personal or professional development of the client. The coach acts as a sounding board and guide.
  • Consulting relationships are more advisory, with the consultant taking a more active role in diagnosing issues and prescribing solutions.

• Questioning vs. Advising:
  • Coaches rely on powerful questioning techniques to stimulate the client's thinking and self-discovery.
  • Consultants provide advice and solutions based on their expertise and may use a more directive approach.