What is the difference between a Coach, Mentor and Consultant

Running a business requires you to constantly find solutions to complex problems or understand areas that you have no prior knowledge. Consultants, coaches and mentors can help you make the right decisions. But which type of advisor is right for you?

If you ever faced a complex situation or problem, you know how valuable an expert’s opinion can be. Maybe it was from a friend. Or maybe it came from a more experienced colleague. Without the right level of expertise, it can become quite a time consuming (and expensive) task to research a certain industry and make the right decision every time.

That’s why most businesses rely on the help of external advisors: They already have the expertise and can save their clients time and money.

In simple terms, any business advisor helps its clients to get from point A (the current position) to point B (the desired position). But the methods and approaches of a consultant, mentor and coach are significantly different to one another.

Mentor

  • Focuses mostly on personal and career development of the individual

  • Long term ongoing relationship

  • Mentor has the expertise and answer

  • Agenda is set by client / mentee

  • Observes and provides guidance and wisdom

Consultant

  • Paid to solve a specific problem in the business

  • Hired on a short term project level basis

  • Consultant has the expertise and solution

  • Agenda is set by consultant

  • Evaluates a situation and advises

  • There is a knowledge gap in your organisation,

  • You require a fresh or unbiased perspective from somebody outside of your own organisation,

  • You don’t have the time or resources to look for a solution yourself,

  • Your organisation wants to drive change and needs external impulses to break through established patterns,

  • You want to profit from the knowledge of someone who has already implemented the change in the past.

Coach

  • Supports client to reach a desired situation.

  • Relationship usually has a set duration

  • Coach does not have the expertise in their clients occupation; helps client discover the answer.

  • Agenda is set by coach

  • Works together with client; client held accountable

  • The relationship between you and the coach is more intimate and often develops into a lasting personal partnership;

  • There is no major knowledge gap to fill. You already have the necessary expertise and skills to solve the problem;

  • The coach acts as a supporter and guide from day one and stays until the task is completed.