Academic Leadership Coaching vs. Consulting: What’s the Difference (and Which Do You Need?)

March 8, 2025

Read Time - 4 minutes

“Consulting is giving people answers. Coaching is helping them find their own.”

—Marshall Goldsmith

A few years ago, I watched a newly appointed dean hire a high-priced consultant to help “fix” a struggling program. The consultant delivered a slick 40-page report. The faculty…did nothing with it.

The real breakthrough came months later, when a coach helped the dean lead differently—ask better questions, build trust, and co-create solutions with their team.

That’s when I started to understand:

consulting solves problems.

Coaching changes people.

And sometimes, what you need most is the latter.

Coaching Is Not Just Advice-Giving

Many academic leaders assume that coaching is just consulting by another name. A polished expert swoops in, listens for a bit, then offers a solution.

But that’s not how coaching works.

Coaching isn’t about delivering answers—it’s about asking the right questions to help you make better decisions. It’s future-focused, growth-oriented, and designed to build capacity in you, not just solve the current problem.

So if you’re asking: “Do I need a coach or a consultant?”

Start here.

What’s the Difference?

	Coaching	Consulting
Focus	Growth, mindset, leadership development	Problems, systems, technical solutions
Approach	Co-created and reflective	Expert-driven and prescriptive
Role	Thought partner and challenger	Subject-matter expert
Style	Questions that unlock clarity	Advice and recommendations
Outcome	Stronger leader	Clearer solution

In short:

Consultants bring solutions. Coaches build leaders.

When to Use a Consultant

✅ You need fast advice from a subject-matter expert

✅ You’re implementing a technical change (like ERP or budget restructuring)

✅ You want a project-based outcome or strategic plan

✅ You don’t have internal capacity to assess or design a solution

Example: You hire a consultant to assess an academic program and recommend updates based on national benchmarks.

When to Work with a Coach

✅ You feel stuck in your leadership or decision-making

✅ You want to grow your confidence or executive presence

✅ You’re navigating change, transition, or a high-stakes role

✅ You want support—but not someone telling you what to do

Example: You hire a coach as a new chair or dean to clarify your priorities, improve team dynamics, and shift from reactive to strategic leadership.

Sometimes You Need Both

Coaching and consulting aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they work best together when well-matched.

Example: A consultant redesigns your curriculum review process. A coach helps you lead the change, work through resistance, and stay grounded in your values.

Think of it this way:

Consulting solves the “what.” Coaching strengthens the “how.”

Bottom Line

If you’re leading in higher ed, you’re navigating complex systems, personalities, and pressures. You don’t just need answers—you need clarity, capacity, and confidence.

That’s what coaching builds.

And when you invest in your growth—not just your goals—you lead not just faster, but smarter.

Try This Before Friday

Pull out your to-do list and highlight any major challenge you’ve been avoiding. Ask yourself:

• Is this a problem that needs expertise? → Consider a consultant

• Or is this a leadership stretch I need to grow into? → Consider a coach

If you’re still not sure, talk it through with someone you trust—or email me. Sometimes the most valuable first step is simply asking the question.

👥 Ready to Help Others?

This goes out each week to leaders trying to build better systems, stronger teams, and healthier departments. If this helped you navigate your corner of campus, pass it on! 👉 Subscribe here.

---

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:​

1.) Get the free guide: Lead by Design. Put an end to reactive leadership. Learn how to clarify decisions, streamline workflows, and surface expectations—so you can fix what’s broken and focus on what matters most. 2.) Coaching for Academic Leaders: A focused 1:1 coaching experience for higher ed professionals who want to lead with clarity, build smarter systems, and stay centered on what matters most. I work with a limited number of clients each quarter to provide highly personalized, strategic support. Send me a message.

3.) Professional Development Workshops: Interactive sessions for faculty, staff, and leadership teams that help reduce conflict, streamline decision-making, and shift culture with smart systems. Virtual and in-person options available. Sessions tailored to your campus needs.