I am often asked the question by potential clients: Should they seek help from a business coach or a psychologist?

Well, as a business mentor and consultant, operating in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, I guess that most of my responses reveal a natural bias. However, the issue came up again last week from a very different angle. I realised that three of my current clients are psychologists by training. Now that struck me as unusual.

One is very much still practicising their skills. A second has moved to a related field. The third has long abandoned the profession. Each is trying to set up or expand their business. Each one is trying to grapple with challenging commercial approaches. And, each one is held back by ‘self issues’.

Interestingly, many of their problems can be found amongst those people who might have approached them for help: procrastination, self doubting, complicating simple problems and much more.

So does that mean, if you have a business problem, you must turn to an experienced business coach?

David Clutterback in his book “Everyone Needs A Mentor” cites an illuminating case study. Tennis players were briefly coached by specialists from another sport. The result was that the players discovered new skills and strengths.

Similarly, I recently spoke to a senior jet-setting executive. They view their therapist as ignorant on business matters. However, the exec readily admits that the same therapist has a reamrkable ability to put their finger on key financial weaknesses.

Bottom line? There is no all-encompassing answer. A good psychologist should appreciate the complexities of other professions. And a true business coaches will accept that few decisions are made rationally. You have to feel comfortable with the person who is going to help you, understanding that this may become a relationship that could last months or longer.