Coaching vs Consulting

I don’t believe or endorse in partnering from a place of mastery. It tends to lend itself to misaligned expectations and confusion of roles.

An ICF Coach (International Coaching Federation) and a Consultant differ significantly in their approaches and roles, even though both help individuals and organizations improve performance.

An ICF Coach:

An ICF coach focuses on personal and professional development by facilitating self-discovery. They use questioning techniques to help clients identify goals, overcome obstacles, and take action. ICF coaching is typically non-directive, meaning the coach does not offer specific advice but helps the client find their own solutions. The emphasis is on empowering the client and fostering long-term growth through accountability and reflection.

A Consultant:

A consultant, on the other hand, is usually hired to provide expertise in a specific area. They analyze problems, offer direct advice, and recommend strategies to achieve desired outcomes. Consultants often take a more directive role, providing actionable solutions based on their knowledge and experience. Their approach is often more short-term and task-oriented compared to the long-term development focus of coaching.

In essence, an ICF coach helps clients find their own path, while a consultant provides expert direction and solutions.

Again, both approaches can help individuals and organizations. But I’m a firm believer that coaching can unleash some powerful insight that consulting does not. Afterall, with consulting, the emphasis is on the aspect of being an “expert.” There tends to be a lot of folks claiming to be experts these days.