There are many definitions of coaching, some of which are quoted below, but at its heart it is thinking partnership, where the coach provides a safe space for ideas and reflection and supports and challenges the coachee in their decision-making, goal setting and action-planning.

Clare Norman, author of The Transformation Coach, describes coaching as “a joint endeavour to discover new thinking that moves the thinker forward”.

The Association for Coaching defines it as “a collaborative solution-focussed, results-orientated and systematic process in which the coach facilitates the enhancement of work performance, life experience, self-directed learning and personal growth of the coachee”.

Another definition, from Dr Jonathan Passmore, is that coaching is “a collaborative relationship formed between coach and client, which aims to facilitate sustainable change and enhance the coachee’s professional and personal life within an organisational or broader social context”.

Coaching is distinct from mentoring or therapy.  Its purpose is not to offer advice or provide solutions, nor to uncover past motivations or trauma.  Coaching is forward-looking and goal-oriented, seeking to support the coachee to develop their own thinking, make their own decisions and achieve their ambitions.