2021 was a very weird year. Throw out your five-year plan and sales trend reports. Nothing about this year has been normal.
Where do we go from here? Consultants can help small businesses and nonprofits recalibrate their goals based on the constantly shifting realities.
| Facilitator | Mentor | Coach | Consultant | Counselor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Process/Guide | Guide/Model | Thinking Partner | Advisor | Therapist |
| Relationship to "Client" | Horizontal and Neutral | Vertical | Horizontal and Neutral | Vertical | Vertical |
| Authority | Client | Mentor | Client | Consultant | Counselor |
| Relationship Goals | Client supported in creating own outcomes. | Client learns from mentor's methods of success. | Client gains awareness and self-trust to create their own success. | Client receives advice, expertise, or resource from consultant. | Client is guided in healing from the past. |
| Expertise | Process, group dynamics. Subject matter expertise not needed. | Subject matter or organizational context. | Coaching process and skills. Subject matter expertise not needed. | Subject matter, best practices, change management processes. | Therapeutic diagnostics and treatment. |
| Agenda | Client sets the agenda. | Mentor defines the path. | Client sets the agenda. | Client sets main focus; consultant can influence shift or refocus. | Client describes need, counselor determines how to meet the need. |
| Desired Results of Engagement | Group determines meaningful outcomes. | Client learns the mentor's way of achieving success. | Meaningful client change, as defined by the client. | Client uses the consultant's solutions to achieve enhanced performance. | Emotional healing. |
The year began with great optimism about vaccinations and hopes for a return to pre-pandemic "normal". Schools, shops and offices reopened. Things seemed to be moving in the right direction until the Delta variant changed everything. Even vaccinated people became ill. Americans seemed to have accepted the risk and resumed parties and travel for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Late in the year the Omicron variant was identified that may require new restrictions.
As you plan for 2022, please consider engaging SWB Consulting Services to help your team navigate the confusing options available for your business or organization. Take advantage of our free consultation to learn more about how we can help you move forward in the new year!
