Coaching is the partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

International Coaching Foundation's Definition

While there may be common elements, each individual's experience will be unique because coaching is a partnering with the client that reflects their needs, objectives, and direction. Some clients may be focused exclusively on their professional life. Others may be seeking help with personal goals. More than a few will work on a combination of the two.

Often the coaching engagement will include "homework" between sessions. It sometimes will include personality testing when it's deemed helpful to create self-awareness. It always will include commitment and accountability in order to meet the client's objectives.