The face of the moon was in shadow
At NexGen QHSE Solutions, the question we hear all the time is: What’s the difference between coaching and consulting? It’s a fair question, but we’ll admit, for a while, we brushed it off. After all, what really matters is the impact, right?
A Tale of Two Approaches
A Tale of Two Approaches
We once worked with a client who had a siloed organization. The sales team and the product team couldn’t communicate—they may as well have been on different planets.
- The Consultant’s Approach: We started by bringing in frameworks and training. We analyzed the situation, identified work styles, and implemented collaborative systems.
- The Coach’s Approach: We shifted gears. Instead of prescribing solutions, we worked directly with team leaders to uncover the beliefs and behaviors fueling the divide. With coaching, we focused on communication, empathy, and breaking down limiting mindsets.
Strategic Planning: Telling vs. Guiding
Strategic Planning: Telling vs. Guiding
Another client came to us saying, “We need a strategic plan, but we can’t seem to get it right.”
- As Consultants, we could have handed them a polished plan and walked away. But that wasn’t what they needed.
- As Coaches, we asked, “What do you want this plan to achieve? What challenges are holding you back?” Together, we co-created a strategy that didn’t just look good on paper—it reflected their vision and inspired ownership among their team.
The Ghosting Problem
The Ghosting Problem
Here’s a real NexGen moment. A client asked us, “Two of my clients are ghosting me. What should I do?”
- The consultant in us thought: Easy! Teach them follow-up strategies—check in here, send reminders there, and so on.
- But the coach in us asked, “Why do you think they’re ghosting you?”
What followed was a breakthrough. One client wasn’t a perfect fit, and the other had been problematic from the start. By guiding them to reflect on their relationships, they realized the issue wasn’t about follow-ups—it was about aligning with the right clients. Coaching uncovered a deeper truth that consulting alone couldn’t reach.
Leadership Transformation: Boss vs. Guide
Leadership Transformation: Boss vs. Guide
Corporate leadership used to be all about top-down control: “Do this, or else.” But as we’ve worked with organizations, we’ve seen a shift toward a coaching mindset.
One of our clients struggled with employee retention. Their leaders were great at giving orders but terrible at fostering engagement. Instead of bringing in consultants for every small conflict, we helped train their leaders to think like coaches.
They learned to:
- Get curious.
- Ask powerful questions.
- Solve problems at the root, not the surface.
It took time, but the results were transformational. Teams felt heard, valued, and motivated—proving that coaching isn’t just trendy; it’s essential.
When Coaching and Consulting Collide
When Coaching and Consulting Collide
Here’s what we’ve learned: There’s no strict line between coaching and consulting anymore.
- Consulting gives you the frameworks, strategies, and tools to tackle challenges head-on.
- Coaching empowers you to implement those solutions sustainably, unlocking internal motivation and long-term success.
We’ve embraced this blended approach because it’s what works. By switching between being prescriptive and reflective, we can meet our clients where they are and help them achieve what they didn’t think was possible.
Our Biggest Lesson
Our Biggest Lesson
There was a time when we thought consulting was about giving answers and coaching was about asking questions. But the truth? They’re two sides of the same coin.
Here’s what we know now:
- When to Consult: Clients need clear solutions, tools, and frameworks to get started.
- When to Coach: They’re stuck, and the answers aren’t external—they’re inside. Coaching helps them uncover their truth.
- When to Blend: The sweet spot is combining expertise with curiosity, guidance with empowerment. That’s where the real breakthroughs happen.
Why This Matters to You
Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or professional, embracing both coaching and consulting can transform your impact. You don’t have to choose one over the other—you can be both.
💡 Are you ready to rethink how you approach challenges? Let’s talk about how coaching and consulting can transform your business.
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