I just added a page to this blog site to cover professional services that I provide, but doesn’t necessarily fit under the vision of PITM Consulting nor my mom blog. During the past couple of years, I have been increasing my client base who I coach, mentor, and tutor. I am still providing consultancy services.
All of these services result in improving and developing individuals, so what’s the difference? I found this conference paper from PMI 2010 to be helpful to illustrate, “An Effective Project Manager Coaching Approach” by Marcello Patrese and Guido Granchi.
Below is my favorite excerpt from the paper:
Which are the Differences Between Coaching, Mentoring, and Counselling?
Imagine that you are walking down the street and you see a young man who is trying to ride a bicycle, but is unable to do so: his balance is very weak and it looks as if he’s probably going to fall down (Dilts, 2003).
He needs help!
A first man goes near him and begins to listen to him and tries to understand his problem. Then he talks to the young man, giving his some wise pieces of advice and then goes away.
A second man goes near the biker, but his approach is a little different: His attention is focused on the bike, on its mechanical structure; he wants to know if all the pieces are working together in the right way. In the meantime, a cycle racing champion stops near the young man and jumps on his bike: He wants to show him all the right movements for being well-balanced and how to pedal with less effort.
When the champion has ended his demonstration, a woman comes near the young man and asks him: “Where do you want to go?” and “Why is it so important to you to reach that goal?” Beside the bicycle, what else do you need to begin your journey?”
Can you name, in order, who has met with the young man?
A counsellor, a consultant, a mentor, and a coach. [Ed: A counsellor, a consultant, and a coach.]
I slightly edited the excerpt because the tale mentions 3 people helping the would-be bicyclist, but suggests that 4 people approached the would-be bicyclist.
In working with my clients, it’s clear to me that they have different needs, though their vision and goals may be set. And for the most part, they don’t yet have the clarity of understanding what type of aid they need to reach their goal. They tend to use one of these terms and work from there. I will break it down with an assessment during our first meeting and then determine and review my understanding with my client before preceding.
My favorite part is seeing each one grow and develop. It’s a little bittersweet knowing that eventually, they won’t need my services anymore just like my consultancy. But like many successful organizations and individuals, things change around them like technologies and organizational cultures. And I can help individuals who are true to themselves and their goals to adapt.