The concept of Business Coaching originates from the sporting arena, where for centuries coaches have helped athletes achieve their goals.
Coaching is a slightly different concept to consulting, but in a nutshell, consulting implies that you identify a problem that a client has, and you propose a solution. Coaching is more about the facilitation of a process.
The analogy to sport is a good one, and also helps us to understand the differences between consulting and coaching.
Imagine a tennis coach for instance; the coach talks to the athlete, shows the athlete where their skill levels are inadequate and then devises a plan for the athlete to improve. The plan would enable the athlete to think for him or herself in pressure-related situations and determine the correct action; this is called coaching.
If the coach, on the other hand instructed the athlete to play a particular shot (rather than having the athlete decide on the best shot), or took the tennis racket and played a few sets for the athlete then this would be an extreme version of consulting.
Business Coaching is about collaboratively seeking a solution and formulating an action plan, looking at broader perspectives and helping develop processes for that business. Consulting on the other hand is more defined around problem solving and the suggestion of specific solutions.
So, what does this mean?
Our prime goal should be to make the client money. The more business and consulting experience you have then the more that you will interplay multiple disciplines in the one assignment. You will both coach, and at the same time steer your client toward a solution that, from your experience you know is the best option.
At MAUS, our philosophy is to ignore the constraints of definitions and concentrate on the one thing that your client engaged you to do ….to make your client money and improve their business.
Struggling with how to add a business advisory arm to your practice?
To learn more about building your practice, MAUS will be conducting a 1-day certificate on how to successfully win clients and build an Advisory Board. Attendees will receive a certificate, an accreditation logo and marketing material.
Ticket cost is $795 early bird. To attend this short course contact MAUS on 1300 300 586 or sales@maus.com.au.
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