Empowered Solutioning
The new discipline that combines organisational coaching and consulting I have called Empowered Solutioning.
This term encapsulates the key aspects of both disciplines:
1. "Empowered" reflects the coaching aspect, where clients are encouraged and enabled to develop their own solutions and take ownership of their decisions.
2. "Solutioning" is a term often used in consulting to describe the process of developing and implementing solutions to organisational challenges.
By combining these elements, "Empowered Solutioning" suggests a hybrid approach that:
- Leverages the expertise and knowledge of a consultant
- Encourages client participation and ownership in problem-solving
- Fosters a collaborative environment where both the consultant and client work together to develop solutions
- Balances guidance with empowerment, allowing for tailored solutions that fit the organisation's unique context and culture
This new discipline will provide organisations with the best of both worlds: the external expertise and fresh perspective of consulting, coupled with the sustainable, internally-driven change promoted by coaching. It would create a dynamic process where consultants guide and inform, while simultaneously empowering clients to actively participate in developing and implementing solutions.
Combining coaching and consulting can significantly improve client outcomes in several ways:
1. Comprehensive solutions: By integrating coaching and consulting, professionals can address both strategic business challenges and the personal development needs of clients. Consultants provide expert advice on specific issues, while coaches help clients develop the skills and mindset to implement those solutions effectively.
2. Enhanced results: This integrated approach leads to better outcomes as clients receive strategic guidance alongside personal growth and skill development. The combination ensures that not only are the right strategies in place, but the client has the support to navigate changes successfully.
3. Flexibility in approach: The combined model allows professionals to switch between consulting and coaching approaches as needed. This adaptability helps address a wider range of client needs and challenges.
4. Individualized solutions: Using various approaches with the same client allows for crafting more tailored solutions to their problems. This can lead to better results for clients and their businesses.
5. Sustainable change: While consulting can provide immediate solutions, coaching helps clients develop their own problem-solving capabilities. This combination leads to more sustainable, long-term improvements in both personal and organisational performance.
6. Deeper impact: Coaching can help clients see the bigger picture and overcome personal limitations, while consulting provides specific expertise to solve immediate problems. Together, they create a more profound impact on the client's overall development and business success.
7. Consistency: Integrating coaching and consulting prevents potential disconnects that may occur when a client works with separate coaches and consultants who might have differing perspectives and advice.
8. Holistic support: By leveraging the strengths of both disciplines, professionals can offer more comprehensive support, addressing both immediate business challenges and long-term personal and organisational development needs.
To effectively combine coaching and consulting, it's crucial to be clear about which role I'm playing at any given time and communicate this clearly to my client. This ensures the right expectations and appropriate client participation for each approach. When done well, this integrated model can provide clients with a powerful combination of strategic expertise, personal development, and practical problem-solving skills.