COach vs. Consultant

Why Hire a Coach vs. a Consultant?

Consultants have specific expertise and experience in various areas and industries. They are contracted to provide clients with solutions and then manage the solution implementation process. Sounds great, right?

For some situations, consultants are extremely valuable and the perfect asset to an individual or organization. However, in many situations a coach can be of greater value.

Coaches work with clients to initiate and complete change processes that are client-driven. Because they are client-driven, there is built-in buy-in and sustainable success is increased. We call this greater resiliency.

Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult experiences and challenges, move through adversity, rebound from setbacks, and transmute stressful situations into opportunities. In today’s work environment, this is a highly sought after asset. Many corporate training programs focus on the resiliency of their employees in order to create a more effective and productive workforce.

Coaching assists in creating resilience in clients in ways that a consultant cannot. Consultants often have formulas or established models that they use. However, there needs to be a match between what a person is told to do and what they are willing to do. Since coaches co-create solutions that are client-driven, if they do not work, underlying obstacles, triggers, or occurrences of self-sabotage can be quickly addressed and overcome. In other words, while consulting provides an “out-of-the-box” approach, coaching provides solutions that resonate with the client, are achievable, and highly customized.

Whether you are just starting your professional career, working your way up through the ranks in an organization, a sole-proprietor, small-business owner, a C-band executive, or engaging in an encore career, coaching can provide you with the best solutions to your professional challenges: The ones you discover for yourself.