Do I need a coach, consultant, counselor or mentor ?

There are definitely some blurred lines here, truth be told I was not 100% of the differences until I started to train as a coach in 2021. Each skillset has the ability to add value to a business but equally picking the wrong skillset for the challenge you face can be both costly and frustrating. Hiring a coach when you are expecting a consultant is the common example I see.

Technically any trained coach can coach anyone on anything. However view is slightly different, for me having a coach that has walked in my shoes is paramount to the integrity of the coaching relationship. Hence why I only work with Clients who I share some context with.

I also design my alliance with my coachee around their goals and if they want some mentoring or in fact want me to consult on something specific I am open to that conversation.

I always sign-post during the alliance when I am giving my opinion or some context based on my experience.

1. Coach:

Think of a coach as your personal trainer for personal or professional development. They're your number 1 fan, pushing you to achieve your goals. Coaches focus on helping you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and set clear objectives. They're great for improving skills, setting priorities, and building confidence and holding you accountable.

2. Consultant:

A consultant is more like a specialist doctor for your business. They come in when you need expert advice or solutions to specific problems. They're hired for their expertise in a particular field. Think of them as problem solvers who diagnose issues and recommend solutions. They're not there to teach you how to do it; they're there to get it done.

3. Mentor:

Mentors are your wise, experienced friends who have been there before. They provide guidance based on their own experiences. It's like having a trusted advisor who shares their insights, helps you avoid common pitfalls, and offers valuable connections.

4. Counselor:

Counselors are more like therapists for your emotional and mental well-being. They help you work through personal or professional issues that might be holding you back. They're trained to listen, empathize, and provide strategies for managing stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. They focus on your mental health and well-being.

So my house style is Context Coaching. This means I use coaching principles but occasionally mentor and where appropriate consult. I find this style adds the most value to founders, who have to execute at speed.