By Ruth Anderson

Coaching is a unique and relatively new profession that is distinct from both traditional consulting services and psychological counseling. Understanding differences among three will help you to select best person for your situation.

Consultants Traditional consultants are typically hired to solve a specific, somewhat narrowly defined problem. To do so, they bring with them a predefined set of tools and ideas that have worked well for other people in similar situations.

A consultant's work may end with a set of recommendations, or may continue as long as needed to implement those recommendations. A consultant should be able to provide you with up-to-date information on resources and tools that apply to your specific problem.

Counselors

Counselors are licensed therapists who are specially trained to help clients resolve emotional issues that have their roots in past but are affecting person's ability to function in present. A licensed therapist is also only professional who is qualified to diagnose and treat mental-health conditions.

If you feel depressed or unable to take actions to improve your present and future, you should contact a counselor or therapist. Neither coaching nor consulting should be used to replace or bypass services of licensed psychological counselors.

Coaches

By Ruth Anderson

Are you worried about job security? By taking following ten steps now, you can position yourself to move more quickly and easily through your next job transition. At same time, you may find that you become more valuable to your current employer.

1. Inventory your strengths and skills, especially those you enjoy using most, and keep daily or weekly notes on how you are using them in your present job. This information will help you to update your resume and prepare for future job interviews, should they become necessary.

2. Keep notes, as well, on parts of your job that you find very difficult or don't enjoy. With this information, you will know what to de-emphasize or leave out altogether in your updated resume. You will also be able to focus future job-hunting efforts on jobs that suit you best.

3. While doing steps 1 and 2, did you discover that you spend too much time on things you aren't good at or don't like to do, and not enough on things you are good at and enjoy? If so, consider how you can shift this balance, perhaps by streamlining certain tasks, delegating, or managing your time differently. Your value to your present employer, as well as any future ones, is maximized when you are doing what you do best.

4. Think about and write down what you have accomplished in your current job. What have you done that you are most proud of, and what did it take to achieve those things? A focus on accomplishments, especially ones that you enjoyed, will give you confidence and highlight your qualifications in any future job search.