Hear this clearly – you are not expected to be the “hero” of every situation. It’s ok to ask for help.
Now, that we’ve cleared that up, who do you call? Who is best-suited to help you depends on what you’re facing and the type of help you want.
Orientations of the Helping Professions
At a very high level, professionals are either telling-oriented or asking-oriented. As the names suggest, they are either going to tell you how to solve the problem or they are going to ask questions and allow you to unearth how to solve the problem.
The telling-oriented professions include both consultants and mentors. Counseling and consulting represent the asking-oriented professions.
Both orientations serve specific purposes and are useful. Additionally, all four professions can at times using coaching methods and similar communication styles to assist clients.
Telling-Oriented Professions
Consultants are the ultimate problem solvers. Their literal job is to be welcomed in, asked to evaluate what you’ve previously done, offer their opinion on how to move forward, and then implement the changes. They are experts in their field and use their knowledge to solve your problems or achieve your goals.
Mentors serve as your advisor or teacher. They have shared experiences with you but are slightly further ahead. Often they will observe your current situation and offer advise based on their experience. They are the embodiment of your future success. Mentors offer a uniquely beneficial relationship based on their experience and level of personal commitment on your behalf.
Asking-Oriented Professions
Counselors focus on your psychological well-being. By diving deeply into deep-seated emotional issues, counselors promote personal healing and trauma recovery. Working with a counselor helps you understand the past and its relationship to your present with the goal of mental and emotional well-being.
Coaching aims to help you move from the present towards your future. During coaching, you will focus understanding where you are in relation to the goals you want to achieve.
Who is best suited to help you? Would you prefer someone use their expertise to offer advice or solve the problem? Or, are you seeking someone to support and guide your decision-making process?
For more information about coaching and consulting offered by Kelly, please reach out.
![For the regular days...
Yesterday, we celebrated the mamas. But I have some hesitance about the day on behalf of those for whom the day is hard. For those who will face disappointment, longing, or loneliness.
Here's to regular days, the ones that come right after the "important" days, the days we might feel overlooked or unappreciated.
Here's to Monday mornings when you get up with the sun and get to work, whatever that looks like for you.
Here's to having hard conversations and making hard decisions.
Here's to doing what needs done, whatever that means and wherever it takes you.
Here's to doing what you're meant to do.
[Caroline is traveling with me this week in Guatemala. She's my assistant on this trip.]](https://scontent-ord5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/280158713_1358881094613296_3621727649573332245_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=duBTgZ_t7EYAX-t81l9&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=AM6HXa8EAAAA&oh=00_AfB0DJU-rZtZ4AiySx_1Z9ZTE9R3FMu7VuAocA5xigGIcw&oe=6493C8EA "Coach Counselor Consultant Mentor Who Can Help")
