Coach or Consultant?
The difference between consulting and coaching. Photo by author.
Know the difference and why it matters
Sometimes you know the answers.
Other times, you need someone to tell you.
The difference between consulting and coaching isn’t just about job titles — it’s about the relationship to knowledge, authority, and agency.
Consulting is “I know.”
I’ve been there, done that, and can give you a clear plan. You’ve got a hole, and no visible way out. I’ll throw you a rope and tell you where to grab.
Coaching is “You know.”
You might feel stuck, but somewhere inside, you already hold the answers. My role is to ask better questions, hold up a mirror, and help you find your own way out. If there’s a ladder right next to you, I’ll encourage you to look around and spot it.
I offer both.
And I’m clear about when I’m switching.
It matters because when you blur the lines, people either become dependent on your answers or feel abandoned when what they needed was a little direction.
Good work happens when we know which role we’re playing.
Want to talk it through? Let’s hop on a call
