The Difference Between a Coach and a Problem Solver

The Difference Between a Coach and a Problem Solver

December 09, 2016
Dr. Cherry
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Coaching Business, Uncategorized

There is a big difference between being a coach and becoming a problem solver, though the two terms seem to be interchangeable. You are either a coach or a problem solver, and these two roles in life lead to two different paths to success. So what is the difference between the two? To understand this, we must start off by learning the roles acted by a coach and a problem solver.

Problem Solvers Handle Directly, Coaches Use Indirect Approach

First of all, a coach is a person who helps other people improve and become better individuals. You became a coach because you solved problems in the past and are now applying your techniques to help others solve their own problems. On the other hand, problem solvers solve the problem of others. A problem solver directly solves problems of other people. He or she will normally take over and directly work on problems. Coaches indirectly solve the problems of others by providing advice and helpful tips on how they can solve it themselves.

Coaches involve, Problem solvers relieve

A problem solver is a “Let me help you” person, while a coach is a “Help me help you” person. A coach will find ways on how to tackle a problem, involve everyone, brainstorm and approach a problem as a team. Problem solvers would normally handle a situation on their own and tackle a problem using their own skills relieving others from the burden of solving it for themselves. Consequently, problem solvers are less communicative compared to coaches who rely on constant connection with other people to work together in solving a problem.

Coaches Guide, Problem Solvers Instruct

Another great difference between being a coach and being a problem solver is that coaches guide people in solving problems, while problem solvers instruct. Being a guide is not just giving instruction, but helping people grasp instruction by breaking it down into small steps. A coach guides the way of his or her trainee until success is achieved. A problem solver, on the other hand, would provide information on how to solve a problem and would expect others to understand it and solve their problems.

Problem solvers carry while Coaches support

Last on this list of differences is that problem solvers carry the weight of the problem, while coaches support others. Motivation is the power coaches wield to release the productive potential locked inside people. Coaches would never handle the problem themselves because they know that people have more than enough power to handle any kind of problems they will encounter in life. Coaches help people unleash this power and support them as they solve problems for themselves. Problem solvers do not motivate other people, but allow ample time for them to handle a problem but would take over and carry the load when no improvement is seen.

In summary

Coaches are once successful problem solvers who want to impart their knowledge to other future problem solvers who may also become coaches. So in short, problem solvers are future coaches if they move on from doing things on their own to involving others and working together as a team to achieve success.

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Dr. Cherry

Cherry A. Collier, Ph.D. is an Organizational Psychologist, Strategist, Executive Coach, and Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging Consultant for Personality Matters, Inc. Her science-based approach and brain-based techniques, propel people, teams, and organizations to build bridges and work from the inside out to achieve their goals. Dr. Cherry specializes in emotional intelligence, neuroscience, leadership development, and DEI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She received her Doctorate and Master of Science in Applied Social/Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia and Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Spelman College. She is the author of more than twenty-five Human Behavior related books for leaders, executives, and coaches. Dr. Cherry is often called the DEI Whisperer because she has a unique ability to fiercely “hold the space” and be totally present which creates a psychologically safe environment that allows others all the space they need to fully express themselves. She listens to others with head, heart and hands approach so that they are heard, seen and understood.