"Constructively Confrontational"  Executive coaching is often
recommended as a method for improving a small-business owner's
effectiveness and bottom line. But what does coaching really do?
How valuable is it, and how does it differ from hiring a
traditional business consultant?  Because the coaching field is
relatively new, not a lot of research exists on which methods
and approaches are most effective, says Ben Dattner, an
organizational psychologist, business coach, and founder of New
York-based Dattner Consulting.  Smart Answers columnist Karen E.
Klein recently spoke with Dattner about the nature of the
coaching process and why entrepreneurs are sometimes afraid to
look in the mirror. Edited excerpts of their conversation
follow.  Q: Why would a small-business owner want to hire a
business coach?  A: Many small-business owners find it difficult
to get an objective perspective on their business challenges.
Although they might have one or more trusted advisers, those
advisers might have a specific kind of