Comments on: Coach vs. consultant

By: Susan Kuhn

Susan Kuhn — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:47:05 +0000

I agree with Dianne to a large degree; what she writes is looking at the subject from the senior consultant point of view. But the fact remains that pure coaching is growing. People are taking on so many new roles in this dynamic economic environment that they are needing to work on themselves to enhance their success. It is the top athletes and actors, not the beginners, that seek our coaching. I’ve been ruminating lately on a quote I came across from Sir Edmund Hilary who was the first Westerner to climb Mount Everest: You don’t conquer the mountain, you conquer yourself. Back to Dianne’s point, I think the best coaches have subject matter expertise along with substantial coaching skill.

By: Fuzzy

Fuzzy — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:31:24 +0000

Having worked as a consultant during the dotcom days, I have fond memories of the word “consultant” but not “coach.” I agree with Dianne. To me, a consultant is someone who has real skills and expertise in specific subjects. When I think of a coach, I tend to think more of philosophical stuff.
Definitions aside, the best part of working as a consultant is working for myself. However, I would be lost without Nolo’s Working for Yourself
Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants. I was clueless on how to take care of the legal aspects of working for myself until I got this book.

By: Dianne

Dianne — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:43:16 +0000

To me a consultant implies expert knowledge in a specific field. A coach deals more with the “soft issues” – motivation, direction, leadership etc.
A good consultant needs to incorporate some coaching in his/her armoury to be able to keep the ship on an even keel and heading in the right direction.

By: web Content

web Content — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:36:56 +0000

I think, in terms of strictly defining either, that a consultant acts more as an advisor exposing the client to the myriad options and possibilities, while a coach takes a more assertive role, leading the horse water AND making it drink… Having said that though, I do believe that a consultant with any integrity, not to mention a healthy respect for his own good name, will take a more agressive stance with a client that refuses to take good advice.

By: Susan Cartier LIebel

Susan Cartier LIebel — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:33:06 +0000

John, I do both as you describe. Some require more of one than another and this can shift during the relationship. I’m a chameleon within the parameters of my services. But more importantly, it’s based upon the goals the client sets out when hiring me.

And this can only succeed with a confidential and trusting relationship.

By: Troy Bingham

Troy Bingham — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:26:03 +0000

I always relate to my basketball days. My coach worked with me everyday. He gave me drills to run and measured the results. He was able to adjust workouts based on my personal needs. At one point he brought in a basketball consultant, that spoke to us about drive, determination and dedication to the game. I came away knowing all of the cliches for the sport but nothing that could really help me grow.

By: Bob Poole

Bob Poole — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:17:56 +0000

Coach or consultant – I’d advise you to look for someone who does both for you if you want to find the solutions you need for you current challenges, the process that can help you find your own solutions in the future and the ability to help coach others on your team.

By: Hugh Duffy

Hugh Duffy — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:08:56 +0000

As co-owner of a practice development firm for accountants and CPAs, I spend the majority of my time consulting with small business owners who want to learn how to transition their accounitng practice from a job into a successful and profitable business. The real joy comes when that relationship reaches the next level and some of them engage me as their personal coach. This is a much more intimate relationship built on trust.

By: olivier blanchard

olivier blanchard — Fri, 02 May 2008 05:08:28 +0000

Interesting idea, distinguishing between coach and consultant. The best consultants have to be coaches as well. Average consultants are… well, just consultants.

By: Steven R. Watts

Steven R. Watts — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:18:38 +0000

As a corporate trainer, I walk the line between coach and consultant in just about every meeting and Webinar.

Coaching is probably easier from a presentational perspective because it requires less “authority” or “credibility” other than knowing your internal product or services in a way that you can effectively present them to an outsider.

Consulting, on the other hand, requires a higher level of trust and integration with your client. Anyone can be a “consultant,” but without credibility, your consulting becomes nothing more than “just another opinion.”