Do I need coaching, consulting, or both?
In life and business, things get hectic. Sometimes we hit a wall that we just cannot seem to break down in order to move forward. When one of these obstacles inevitably surfaces, many people seek out the help of a coach or consultant. The problem often becomes whether they need to tap the expertise of one or the other - or maybe even both!
Coaching vs. Consulting
While there is a significant overlap in the services provided by many coaches and consultants, there are some key differences that can help you make a decision as to which one best fits your needs.
Coaching is generally about improving you, as a person. Regardless of focusing on business or personal matters, the skilled coach will help you dig deep by asking powerful questions that help you identify and address the obstacles that are holding you back. Typically this takes the form of organizing your thoughts, working through your limiting beliefs, creating an effective plan, setting up accountability for yourself, and prioritizing tasks.
Consulting, on the other hand, is geared towards improving the systems you use in (primarily) your career. A good consultant provides specific advice and actions steps for your to follow, most often within an area that the consultant has excelled in themselves at a professional level. For instance, a CEO might hire a consultant with similar experience to help them work through professional challenges such as managing their managers or setting the vision for the company. Some practical ways this relationship manifests include formulating strategies specific to your business needs, helping you iterate for rapid growth, implementing pre-constructed systems of the consultant’s design, and providing business KPIs to measure your progress.
Choosing Between Them
When it comes time to choose, you need to identify what your primary obstacles are, at least in theory. If you are feeling stuck as a result of your personal blockages (self sabotage, fear of failure/success, etc.) then you should seek out a coach. If you are feeling like you cannot progress because you don’t know what systems to put in place in your business, then a consultant is likely the best choice.
Note that many people who hit these walls in their path to success often have aspects of both relationship that would benefit them. They might need coaching for working through some personal obstacles, while they also need a consultant for their specific business to help them achieve greater growth.
The very best option is to find a professional who provides both personal coaching and consulting related to your career needs. That way, you have a single person who acts as a “one-stop shop” for your growth and development.
Ready to get started on your coaching/consulting journey? Breakout Kaizen coaching can help you achieve both your personal and professional goals. Click here to get started!