What do you do?

Human Resources/Organizational Development (HR/OD) consultants, corporate trainers/facilitators, career coaches, and leadership/executive coaches play distinct yet interrelated roles in the development and management of an organization's workforce and its leaders. Each professional specializes in different aspects of workplace improvement and individual development.

HR/OD Consultant

What They Do: HR/OD consultants specialize in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization through the development and implementation of policies, practices, and structures that enhance its workforce's performance and morale. They work on strategic planning, change management, organizational restructuring, and the development of HR policies.

Example Projects:

• Organizational Restructuring: Redesigning an organization's structure to improve efficiency and meet new business objectives. This could involve analyzing current structures, recommending changes, and assisting in the implementation of these changes.
• Change Management: Guiding organizations through significant changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, by developing strategies to manage the transition, communicate changes, and minimize employee resistance and disruption.

Corporate Trainer/Facilitator

What They Do: Corporate trainers and facilitators are responsible for developing and delivering educational programs to employees. These programs are designed to enhance skills, foster professional development, and improve performance. They use a variety of instructional techniques to deliver content and facilitate learning.

Example Projects:

• Leadership Development Programs: Creating and delivering training sessions focused on developing leadership skills within an organization's existing and emerging leaders.
• Team Building Workshops: Facilitating activities and discussions that enhance team cohesion, communication, and collaborative skills among team members.

Career Coach

What They Do: Career coaches assist individuals in identifying their career goals, developing professional skills, and navigating career transitions. They provide guidance, support, and accountability as clients explore career paths, prepare for job searches, and work toward career advancement.

Example Projects:

• Career Transition Coaching: Assisting clients in transitioning to a new career field, including identifying transferable skills, networking strategies, and interview preparation.
• Resume and LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Working with clients to create compelling resumes and LinkedIn profiles that effectively showcase their skills and experience to potential employers.

Leadership/Executive Coach

What They Do: Leadership or executive coaches work with high-potential individuals, managers, and executives to develop their leadership skills, enhance their decision-making abilities, and improve their interpersonal effectiveness. Coaching is tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, focusing on areas such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and executive presence.

Example Projects:

• Executive Onboarding: Supporting new executives in transitioning into their roles, including understanding organizational culture, establishing key relationships, and setting strategic priorities.
• Leadership Development Plans: Working with leaders to identify areas for growth and develop personalized plans that include goals, actions, and strategies for professional development.

These roles, while distinct, often overlap in their goal of improving organizational effectiveness and individual performance. The specific projects and approaches may vary based on the consultant's or coach's expertise, the client's needs, and the organizational context.

If you need help with any of the above-listed projects or anything in the HR/OD space, please let me know! We now have 250 consultants, trainers, coaches and speakers in our Network who are ready to work with you.