Below is a chart that depicts the differences between a coach and consultant approach to the selection, administration, and review of assessments with a client. I encourage you to adopt the consultant approach in order for your clients’ learning to be enhanced which in turn will lead to their motivated actions.

Copyright 2005-2010. Nancy Branton, PCC, M. A.

COACH-APPROACH CONSULTANT-APPROACH
Assessment Choice
 Explores with client which assessment to use and for what purpose. Determines which assessment will be used and for what purpose.
Confidentiality
 Client’s assessment results are held confidential. Client’s assessment results may or may not be held confidential
Delivery of Report Shares report with client in advance of the session. Waits to share the report until the start of the session.
Session Check-In Asks client what it was like to take the assessment and explores his/her reactions to it. Thanks client for completing the assessment and asks the client if s/he has any questions.
Session Focus Asks the client what s/he wants to focus on. Allows the client to set the agenda. Takes charge of the session’s agenda.
Content Delivery Shares background information about the assessment with the client, provides a general overview of it, and asks the client which pieces of it to focus on. Explains the content of the assessment and moves through the results in a linear fashion.
Accuracy of Results Explores results and allows the client to determine what is (or is not) accurate for him/her. Assumes the results are mostly accurate.
Client Observation Observes client’s nonverbal behavior and tone of voice. Draws out the client through use of active listening and powerful questions Observes client to ensure what’s being shared is understood.
Opinions & Judgments Explores client’s resistance to results and never makes the client wrong. Shares opinions with the client about his/her results.
Client Awareness Asks client what key insights s/he learned from the assessment. Recognizes that awareness is a process. Assumes the client will learn from the assessment results and works to make the client fully aware of them.
Development Focus (if applicable) Asks the client which areas s/he wants to be the focus his/her career development on. Suggests to client which areas to focus his/her career development on.
Actions to Take Asks the client what steps s/he wants to take first. Suggests actions to the client.
Accountability Asks the client what works best for him/her in terms of accountability. Summarizes which actions the client will take.
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