Professional coaching focuses on the future, setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal change. It differs from other support professions as outlined below:
- Consulting: Individuals or organizations retain consultants for their expertise. With coaching, the assumption is that you’re capable of generating your own solutions, with the coach supplying guidance and support.
- Therapy: Therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict. Coaching is focused on creating actionable strategies for achieving specific goals in your work or personal life.
- Mentoring: A mentor is an expert who provides wisdom and advice based on his or her own experience. The coaching process does not include advising. Instead you’re encouraged to set and achieve your own objectives.