Choosing between a Business Advisor, a Business Coach or a Team Coach…
Probably the most defining difference between a coach and advisor is their level of experience, and in turn what this enables them to do for you.
Drawing from significant personal experience & expertise, ideally having personally ‘been there and done that’ many times before, an advisor provides you with ‘short-cut creating’ experience insights, ideas & recommendations across a broad range of business challenges - many of which can be game changers for busy people who just want to get on with it. (Help companies to uncover potential problems and provide direction to solve issues - big picture thinking, They collaborate with businesses long term and do not leave after a project is complete. Advisors also help companies uncover potential problems, give direction on how to solve issues, and utilize a bigger picture approach to ongoing challenges. ultimately facilitate a company in future-proofing their operation, increasing profits, and saving money)
A coach on the other hand, will guide you through a process of reflection and learning so you identify solutions and work your way towards success. In doing so, the coach may also impart specific skills.
These key distinctions between a business coach and a business advisor, also commonly referred to as a professional mentor, are important and are why advisors/mentors are most useful when implementing is your biggest challenge, or when time is important. What you are looking for in such situations is mentor who has ‘walked a mile in your shoes’, rather than just learned about a topic. The difference in value between the two can be immense.
On the flip side, the difference between a business coach and a team coach is partly to do with focus, and partly with capability. A Business Coach will typically provide individual support to one or more executives in an organisation, or the business owner, whereas a Team Coach will engage an entire organisation or team collectively: facilitating dialogue in ways that lead to addressing multiple challenges and enhancing performance.
| Provides | Nature | Duration | Expertise | Best when | |
| Business
Advisor |
Recommendations & insights to help you move faster, to assess options and to implement with confidence | Program | Longer | Med/High | Either risk or complexity of the challenges you face are higher, or time is important |
| Business
Coach |
A process and guidance to help their client (Usually to one or more executives or the business owner) identify options and move forward. | Program | Medium/long | Low/Med | Both risks and complexity of the challenges you face are both lower, and you also have time to grow |
| Team Coach* | Engagement with an entire team, to identify options and guide them to move forward | Program | Medium/long | Med | When full team engagement/ alignment is needed to transform performance, culture & wellbeing simultaneously |
See More Here: Wondering which type Coach or Advisor would be best for you or your business?
