Consulting versus Coaching

Having been in the coaching industry for the past 8 years, I still run into people that were consultants yesterday and are coaches today. Does that make them the same thing? Not in my experience. Let me outline my definition and the distinct characteristics of both.

Keep in mind that this is my simple list of the most distinguishing features I have found. This may not represent ALL consultants or coaches.

1. Traditionally, consultants come into your business or office to solve a problem for you. They are hired as an outsourced solution provider. They roll up their sleeves and get working (usually on an hourly basis). A coach, on the other hand, typically has the client do the work. The coach provides guidance and ideas but has the client work on the solution directly, so they know what is being done, they learn through participation and they can take pride in their results.

2. Consultants tend to be shorter-term engagements. Much like my accountant, they come in during a specific season or for a particular project. Once it is done, they send a bill and move on. Coaches tend to be longer-term participants and will often oversee a variety of projects. Consultants could be on a two week project while coaches are often with a client anywhere from 2 months to 2 years or more.

3. Consultants often come in to solve a problem, but don't necessarily share every step of the solution with a client. They may give an overview of the process, but knowledge transfer is limited. Coaching tends to be more of a knowledge transfer to the client, perhaps because there is more time and interaction in coaching. The coach often walks a client through each step, so that the client ends up with full working knowledge of what they need to do when they are faced with future challenges.

Both consultants and coaches have their place and effective use.