Coaching in a Corporate Environment

Coaching is defined by the ICF (International Coach Federation) as "an interactive process that helps individuals and organizations to develop more rapidly and produce more satisfying results.  As a result of coaching, clients set better goals, take more action, make better decisions, and more fully use their natural strengths." 

At People Edge, we partner with managers and leaders to identify and set goals; we provide tools, support and structure; and we challenge the client(s) to accomplish results.  We hold our clients accountable for reaching their goals.

The method

Coaching is about asking questions and prompting answers, listening to what the client already knows but may not know how to articulate.

The tools used may be classic coaching models, questioning techniques, creativity techniques.  They will be used as appropriate to the client, to the agenda and to the circumstances.

The process

1.  A first session with the coachee:
     This will help to check the chemistry and the fit, clarify the goals for the programme and set up the process, including
     the number and the format of the sessions, the duration of the contract.

2.  A meeting with the coachee, the manager (or HRD) and the coach:
     To make sure the objectives of the coachee are set in accordance with the business needs and objectives of the company.

3.  The coaching sessions:
     The content of the sessions remains confidential unless the coachee chooses to disclose the information.

4.  Mid-term review and feedback:
     Progress is checked.  The manager and HR receive a copy of the mid-term review report.

5.  End-of-programme meeting with the coachee, the manager (or HRD) and the coach to check the objectives are being met and to decide whether the coaching needs to be extended.  Wrap up if end
     of programme.

6.  ROI calculation

The coaching session

The session needs to be prepared for by both parties to ensure the optimal outcome.  The coaching session can be either face-to-face or on the telephone.  A progress report is generated after each session.  It includes the main points discussed and the action plan.  The content of the session and the progress reports remains confidential, unless the coachee chooses to disclose the information.


“I have enjoyed a lot the coaching with Véronique.  Coaching sessions were always profitable and fun, even when discussing difficult topics.  Véronique has a lot of energy and empathy and I felt very comfortable from the first session, which was crucial to having an open and honest discussion.”

Pablo Gonzalez
Merck Serono SA