How does coaching differ from other advisory / learning roles?There are several differences. These are highlighted in the below stories.

         It’s as easy as riding a bike……..

 Consultant: Studies the mechanics of riding the bike. Administers assessments/instruments to determine your riding style. Teaches you the laws of physics, how the bike is propelled, what is necessary for balance, and laws of motion/propulsion. A consultant tells you where to sit and where to put your feet and when to pedal. Gives you a program for you to follow through on. Then he/she leaves.  

Facilitator: Makes the way "easier". Ensures you have a 'guys' or 'girls' bike and that is the right size for you.  Adds the training wheels and a larger more comfortable seat.  Verifies that the road surface is adjusted to your level of competence. Then pushes you off and watches you go it alone! 

Therapist: Discusses the basis for your fears about riding and the consequences of falling. Discusses if your parents rode, and why that might be important. Explains why it is important for your self-esteem or psyche, for you to learn this and be successful. Listens very deeply.  

Parent: Buys bike for you. May put on training wheels, and take them off when they think you are ready. Runs by the bike holding on until you have balance to continue, and then cheers you on as you go off riding into the sunset. Occasionally will threaten to take away riding privileges if you don't comply with ground rules.  

Trainer:Gathers a group of people together who are interested in learning how to ride a bike. Teaches the theory behind how and why bike riding began, what new technology has been implemented for bike riding, and offers step-by-step instructions on how you can ride a bike yourself. Then, conducts workshops or break out sessions where everyone practices newly learned riding skills. Offers homework and self-paced exercises to improve your bike riding over time.  

Mentor:  Shares with you their experience/expertise of bike riding. Gives you tips on "drafting" and the most effective way they've found to ride. Models the way they think you should ride, gives you strategies about things like changing tires quickly in a race, how to get the most speed for your effort, what the best bike is to buy in their opinion, and how to negotiate gravel at the bottom of a hill. Teaches you their version of proper maintenance, warns you of dangers of riding in traffic and tells you how to avoid them. Sometimes holds an "I know better than you since I've been there before, so you'd better listen to me" hierarchical position.  

Coach:  Listens to your desire to try riding. Asks you if you need instructions on how to ride and asks where you might get them.  Asks if you like the colour/kind of bike you're about to ride. May even help you pick the bike up and help you get on. Runs along side the bike "checking in" to see if you're enjoying the experience and asks what might make it more fun. Will help you discover what you need to take care of yourself when/if you fall. When you stop the coach might ask about your experience and what was valuable, and whether or not you want to pursue mastery of bike riding. If you do, the coach helps devise a plan whereby you can attain that mastery. If you don't, then the coach may help you devise a plan to sell the bike. 

            Adapted.  Original source unknown