HOW IS COACHNG DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROFESSIONS?

Dragovičeva and Andersen (2008) introduce some essential characteristics of certain professions for a better understanding of differences:

Consultant
• How the project is planned, accomplished,
• gives opinions, ideas and analyses,
• has knowledge, experience from project work,
• we accept our decision based on consultant’s opinion.

Counselor
• Tell me what is bothering you and I will give you a solution,
• has knowledge, experience,
• is an expert in specific field,
• counseling relates to current help.

Mentor
• Sets the rules of the game,
• solves problems of protégé,
• has knowledge, experience,
• takes care of protégé,
• the emphasis is on contents.

Psychotherapist
• Has knowledge, masters techniques,
• leads to the goal,
• trustworthy relationship,
• past-oriented.

Coach
• Listens, observes,
• asks questions which lead an individual to his or her own answers – processing,
• gets solutions and strategies,
• believes that an individual already has all the sources and answers,
• offers support,
• gives an objective feedback,
• future-oriented.