ABOUT COACHING

Coaching vs Therapy

What’s the Difference?

Business coaching includes principles from sports coaching such as teamwork, personal excellence, and "going for the goal." But unlike sports coaching, business coaching is not about competition or based on win/lose. A business coach focuses on helping an individual "learn what it takes" for him or her to improve existing capabilities, set meaningful goals, and be accountable for his or her results. A coach helps an individual understand and eliminate barriers to more effective performance.

Further Clarification

Besides the confusion around coaching as a sports metaphor, coaching is often confused with mentoring, counseling/therapy, and consulting. The differences are discussed below:

  1. Supervision — A supervisor generally is task focused within a preset of operating policies and procedures concerning the completion of some form of work. The supervisor is granted authority to monitor and direct the completion of work. Often, it is “my way or the highway” type of thinking.
  2. Mentoring – A mentor works closely with an individual to help develop the skills, knowledge, and relationships needed to perform better in the current position and to advance his or her career. A mentor is usually at a more senior level in an organization and has the professional and personal competencies to pass on organizational culture, norms, and traditions through skill and example. The mentor shares personal experiences through dialog, and often gives advice.
  3. Counseling or Therapy – Counselors and therapists focus on an individual's psychological well-being and may spend time analyzing the past. In contrast, coaches concentrate on personal and organizational success, how well the individual is functioning within the organization, and is future focused.
  4. Consulting – A consultant gives expert advice and is hired for specific technical expertise.
  5. Coaching — A coach provides a learning container where the individual is encouraged to experiment, explore, and learrn new skills, new ways of leading, and thinking.

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