Some context:

Coaching in a Corporate Environment 

Coaching is 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.

A coach will partner with an individual or team to set goals, provide tools, support and structure, and challenge the client(s) to accomplish results. Coaches hold 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 can be classical coaching models, question techniques, creativity techniques. They will be used according 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 program 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. Quarterly review and feedback:
The progress is being checked. The manager and HR receive a copy of the quarterly review report

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

6. ROI Calculation

The coaching session :

The session needs to be prepared by both parties to ensure the maximum outcome. The coaching session can be either face-to-face or on the telephone. A progress report is sent via-e-mail mostly within 48 hours of the session. It includes the main points discussed and the action plan. The content of the session and the progress reports remain confidential, unless the coachee chooses to disclose the information.
 

What about Coaches?
- They help people set better goals and then reach those goals.
- Ask their clients to do more than they would have done on their own.
- Focus their clients better to more quickly produce results.
- Provide the tools, support and structure to accomplish more.

"My clients get focused and producing faster because they have a coach." 

Who hires a coach and why?

People hire a coach because They want more. They want to grow. They want it easier.
It's as simple as that. Coaches help a client get all three. Quickly. 

 
What happens when you hire a coach?

Many things, but the most important are: You take yourself more seriously. You take more effective and focused actions immediately. You stop putting up with what is dragging you down. You create momentum so it's easier to get results. You set better goals that you might not have without the coach. 
 

Does the coach work on personal goals or business/professional goals?

Both, actually. And, with the line between personal and business life blurring in the 90s, the coach is the only professional trained to work with all aspects of you.
 

Where does the coach focus with an average client?

We focus where the client needs us most. And, we tend to weave in the following discussions: Getting the client's Personal Foundation strengthened. Helping the client beef up their Reserve. Helping the client set goals based on their Personal Values.

By including these with what the client wants from us, we help the client have fewer problems and focus on what's going to make them the most successful. We've found that clients really enjoy the approach.

Why does coaching work?

Coaching works for several reasons: Synergy between the coach and client creates momentum. Better goals are set -- ones that naturally pull the client toward the goal rather than goals that require the client to push themselves to the goal. The client develops new skills, and these skills translate into more success.
(source: ICF)