EP 95: How coaches and consultants prepare differently

Shownotes

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of coaching and consulting, and how a coach prepares differently to an advisor ahead of meeting with a client. We compare the mindset and behaviors leading up to a session between a professional coach and a consultant, and help you understand where you might tend to be as you approach your work and the people around you that need help.

We start by highlighting the difference in mindset between a consultant and a professional coach. While a consultant is solution-oriented, a coach is client-centered and focuses on understanding the client’s unique context. As a coach, we focus on the person in front of us rather than the problem they are facing. We coach the person and not the problem.

We then discuss how a coach and consultant might prepare differently in the way they behave leading up to a session. A consultant would gather data, collect information and develop tailored solutions, while a coach would review the client’s goals, reflect on previous sessions, and develop powerful questions to understand the client better.

The difference in mindset and behavior between a coach and a consultant is stark. While a consultant goes into a conversation with the mindset of having something to offer, a coach goes in with the mindset of helping the client explore. We believe that we can all do better by cultivating both the coaching and consulting mindsets, and especially the coaching mindset, as that’s where the long-term sustainable path lies.

We hope you found this episode insightful, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and newsletter to stay updated with our latest content.

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