Difference Between Coaching, Managing, Consulting & Training

Great article!  Source: The Coaches Training Institute website (articles)

Coaching, managing, consulting and training – all related, sometimes overlapping – and at their foundation, distinct in their focus of attention.

A professional coach’s primary attention is to tap into the client’s own vision, wisdom and directed action in service of the client’s self-identified agenda. The client applies himself/herself to his/her whole life usually including their professional endeavors.

A manager’s primary attention is to achieve specific organizational results through their direct reports. To that end, they may direct and/or develop those direct reports through performance feedback and may use coaching skills.

A consultant’s primary attention is to achieving organizational results (often large systems change) through the application of specific expertise. They may or may not also be charged with transferring knowledge or a skillset to their client.

A training and development professional’s primary attention is the successful transfer of specific information or skills to their clients. Again, a trainer may well use a co-active approach and coaching skills.

“People mix up coaching, mentoring and consulting… The differences?… a mentor has the same business experience as the client. A consultant tells clients how to be more effective. And a coach works with the client to reveal and build on his or her strengths, improve performance and enhance quality of life… Coaches look at the business side and, at the same time, look to see whether [clients] are working too many hours, examine their time-management effectiveness, their fitness and their life relationships.”
- CIO Magazine

Jeremy J. Ulmer, Professional Coach, Executive Coach, Small Business Coach, Sales Coach, Sales Mentor, Business Coach, Life Coach