The business coaching industry globally surpassed $15 billion in 2019 and has been growing exponentially since. It has shown exemplary prowess across the US, Australia, UAE, Africa, Asian countries, and notably the island country of New Zealand. In an ICF led survey, a set of enlightening data come to light regarding business coaching in New Zealand; a summarized highlight has been shared below:
- 99.9% of the business/executive coaches have a professional background.
- Coaches in New Zealand have more acquired experience than other countries.
- More than 75% of the coaches in New Zealand are female compared to the global average of 65%.
- More than 70% of the practicing coaches identify under business coaching in New Zealand.
The survey also revealed the roadblocks that are affecting the growth of the coaching industry in the region:
- A prevalent confusion regarding the role and responsibility of a coach.
- Tendency to confuse coaching with counseling and consulting.
Through this blog, we will try to address these issues and clarify the doubts that one might have regarding the act of coaching.
What is Coaching?
ICF (International Coach Federation) defines coaching as, “an interactive and engaging process, where the coach partners with organizations and individuals in a creative and thought-provoking process, directed towards their rapid self-development for performance improvement and enhanced productivity, resulting in positive outcomes. It improves one’s ability to set targets, be proactive, and make well-thought-out decisions by using their potential to the fullest.”
(Source: https://coachfederation.org/)
What is Counselling?
“Counselling focuses on the personal growth of an individual, which can be mental or physical wellness, career, etc. It applies psychological, mental health, or principles of human development via an affective, cognitive, or behavioral intervention to make intra/interpersonal adjustments on multiple concerns.” (Governing Counsel of American Counselling Association)
What is Consulting?
Consulting can be defined as, “a profession of offering expert advice to an individual or group of individuals or organizations on a specific topic of the consultant’s expertise”. (Source: https://www.consulting.com/what-is-consulting-definition)
How does Coaching Differ from Consulting and Counselling?
Coaching VS Counselling
| Coaching | Counselling |
| Unlocks existing potential | Supporting during a crisis |
| Guides one to improve the state of life. | Help one understand the cause of issues. |
| Do not focus on resolving psychological issues. | Focuses on resolving psychological issues. |
| Result and action-oriented. | No obligation towards results. |
| Focus on the future and solutions. | Focused on the past and problems. |
Coaching VS Consulting
| Coaching | Consulting |
| Extracts answers from the client. | Offer answers or advice to the client. |
| Offers motivational and inspirational guidance. | Offers instructions. |
| Directed towards improving the capacity/potential of an individual. | Directed towards solving an immediate problem (physical, psychological, career, etc.) |
| Helps in exploring the possibilities. | Offers readymade possibilities. |
Hopefully, this clears the confusion around the principles of coaching, counseling, and consulting. So, next time you are going to a coaching session or opting for a training program propagating life coaching or business coaching in New Zealand, you would know what is to be expected.
On a concluding note, if you are looking for a reliable organization for getting trained and becoming a part of New Zealand’s coaching industry, Coach Transformation Academy is highly recommended. It is a global coach training institute with multiple training course options to choose from with both online and offline modes of learning options. Check out their website, or request an introductory consultation to their course module.
