When talking about being a Coach, I find there is often confusion regarding the difference between Coaching, Consulting, Mentoring, and Counselling.
Both myself and my colleagues have experienced the benefit of working with business coaches ourselves in the past, thus motivating us to undertake our current roles. In previous articles I have highlighted the choice we all have in our business and personal lives to be accountable, take ownership and accept responsibility. Working with a coach does just this, however in researching and choosing the right coach many do get confused between coaching, consulting, mentoring, and counselling. So, what is the difference and how do they complement each other?
Any one of these supports may provide just what you are looking for so before deciding it is important to be clear and understand what you actually need and want the outcome to be.
The Bike Analogy
To explain further, I am reminded of an article I read several years ago where each of these roles was defined using the analogy of learning to ride a bike:
1. The Consultant
The consultant is an expert in riding bikes. They already learned and mastered the bike riding process and from their skills and experience, have figured out the most efficient way to ride that bike. The consultant will assess what you have been doing so far and provide you with a detailed plan on how to do it correctly, complete with a step-by-step process.
Consultants are paid to provide you with “how to ride a bike” answers and focus on that requirement.
2. The Counsellor
A counsellor is most interested in why you are unable to ride your bike. What is it in your past, or previous experience that is acting as a barrier to you riding your bike? Is it psychological? They get into your head to uncover the underlying root cause and work with you to deal with that – the therapist is focusing on why the problem is there.
3. The Mentor
The mentor has been riding a bike for many years and wants to share with you their experience, how they learned and how they ride their bike. They want to see you be successful and are willing to spend time with you. It is like learning by observing, possibly learning from their mistakes, experiences, solutions found, etc.
4. The Coach
A coach offers a different type of relationship altogether with more questions of you than the provision of answers. The coach is your ‘champion’, helping you to achieve your goal of riding your bike by asking thought-provoking questions and highlighting your strengths and weaknesses. The coach works with you to tap into what you already know and help you take stock of that, improve on your knowledge and understanding and they run alongside you, holding the bike steady whilst you are learning. He or she is encouraging you on, letting go of the bike when you achieve your momentum and ride solo. The coach is focused on what you can and could do.
So, which is best?
All of the above roles, although different, do often overlap each other. There are consultants who embrace and use coaching methodology in their advice and guidance. There are professional coaching courses that are attended by counsellors that add that extra skillset and knowledge for use with their patients. In addition like myself, there are coaches who also have a keen interest in mental health and support.
As much as I personally like the above example, no matter how many definitions one reads online, there is no clear separation of these roles as they are all complimentary. I am pleased and privileged to have been able to provide advice and guidance to many business owners and managers, sharing with them my own experience, the lessons I learned myself in business and life generally, and wisdom from others whose advice and guidance I have sought.
Based on my own experience and lessons learned, there is a time and place for all four of the above roles. It is always good to get input from others who have had different journeys, I do not believe there is a one size fits all solution. No single individual has all the answers.
There is a time and place for Coaching, Consulting, Mentoring, and Counselling – they can complement each other and maybe even work together to help you achieve your aims and objectives. You do not necessarily have to do what you are told but you would be crazy not to consider what they are saying. You should invest in your well-being and take note of the advice from others who have already been there, done that and wear the t-shirt.
Coaching
If you want to find out more about how investing in a business coach could help you and your business, please do get in touch with us.
In conclusion, whatever support you decide is best for you, I hope you will be able to identify any obstacles and barriers, put them behind you, and concentrate on moving forwards – with support from someone who can help you achieve the best.
Have a good day!