The Difference Between Consulting and Coaching

Early in my career I had a mentor who gave great advice.

He'd listen to my situation, ask a few sharp questions, and then tell me exactly what to do. It was efficient. It felt helpful. I left every conversation with a clear next step.

And then I'd go do it — his way, not mine.

Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn't. But either way, I never really owned it. Because I hadn't figured it out. I'd been told.

That's the difference between consulting and coaching.

A consultant diagnoses and prescribes. They're the expert. Their job is to give you the answer.

A coach does something harder — and more lasting. They ask better questions until you find the answer. And when you find it yourself, you own it. You act on it. It sticks.

I'm not a consultant. I don't tell leaders what to do.

I ask the questions that help them figure out what they already know — and then hold them accountable to actually doing it.

If you've ever left a coaching conversation feeling like you just got consulting, you haven't experienced real coaching yet.