Consulting vs. Coaching

What’s the difference anyway and does it matter?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes the line between Coaching and Consulting can get a bit fuzzy, even as a practitioner. Both start from a place of not knowing and an underlying assumption that the answers are in the “system”. Both require curiosity to identify what is emerging and what is most important to address. Both lean into co-creation.

The best way I’ve found to think about it is that, when Consulting, you’re typically helping to solve a specific business problem; you strive for objectivity while also bringing your subject matter expertise to the table. You may even bring a specific solution. Coaching, on the other hand, is a process of helping individuals uncover their path and then supporting personal growth in that direction.

The chart below outlines some of the differences and similarities.