Consultant vs Coach: What’s the Difference?
These terms are used so frequently, but rarely do people consider the difference, perhaps because people don’t think there is a difference, but there is…
Although both are typically external to the client organisation, both are hired to solve problems and both come with their specific areas of expertise, but it is important to define each role so that you can decide what is most suitable to your needs.
There are some significant differences to think about:
The consultant focuses on the business.
The coach focuses on the individual.
The consultant expresses opinions and gives advice.
The coach holds back on opinions and advice.
The consultant (should) do all of the thinking.
The coach helps the client do the thinking.
The consultant solves a specific problem.
The coach tries to discover the right problem.
The consultant typically has a limited scope.
The coach should have an unlimited scope.
The consultant (hopefully) solves the business problem.
The coach (should) enable people to solve the problem.
The consultant provides the solutions.
The coach helps the client to discover the solutions.
I pride myself on being able to do both. Offering solutions only may be required in an emergency, crisis or when a quick fix is required, but that typically doesn’t resolve the problems or teach people. However, it may also mask more serious problems and create a dependency on consultants to be called in when there is another fire.
What I love to do when solving problems, is:
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help those around the situation to understand how and why it occurred and how to deal with those issues,
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how to fix the actual problem,
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how to learn from it and avoid similar issues from arising.
To do this, you need to be an experienced problem solver, the ability to coach, have a lot of real-life experience, be clear-minded and surgical in the process and be fuelled with empathy. We have to be constantly self aware, observant of changing and delicate situations while being able to understand individuals in all of their facets and read a room quickly.
I have all of that and know how to apply the best approach in each situation. I know when it’s best to consult and when it’s preferable to coach.
What I can do...
I have a talent for driving growth by identifying new and un-tapped opportunities. I see how to disrupt existing business models by the identification and implementation of creative ideas and innovation, by leveraging consumer and market insights, competitors, technology and just some whacky radical thinking!
Leveraging research and continual horizon scanning, I develop new, cross-category and emerging opportunities. It’s not a skill, I just get a sense of where things will go!
I am curious with a blue ocean/open field mentality, finding ways forward even amongst ambiguity. I’m comfortable operating in less structured environments and creating new business models and teams, having a collaborative mindset with excellent influencing and team building skills.
Key Skills:
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Start-Ups / Scale-Ups - General management of SME’s with extensive experience in developing, implementing and executing ideas and business plans.
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Business Development – Full cycle - physical products and digital.
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Strategic planning & execution.
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Problem identification and solving.
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Innovation / New product development.
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Project management / Stake Holder management.
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Communication / Relationships / Conflict Resolution.
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Marketing and sales strategies.
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Opening, negotiating and maintaining commercial relationships.
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Motivating / Influencing / Focusing /Mindset.
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Ability to Work Under Pressure
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Decision Making
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Time Management
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Self-motivation
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Leadership
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Adaptability
I'm always looking for new and exciting projects and companies to help, so for an informal chat, feel free to get in touch.