What is the intent of 'coaching' in the workplace?

The intent of 'coaching' in the workplace primarily revolves around the informal improvement of job performance. Coaching focuses on providing guidance, support, and feedback in a day-to-day context, allowing employees to enhance their skills and competencies in real time. This approach fosters a continuous learning environment and builds the capacity of individuals to tackle challenges, refine their performance, and achieve both personal and organizational goals.

Unlike formal training sessions, which may be structured and scheduled, coaching is more personalized and flexible, adapting to the immediate needs and situations of employees. It involves direct interaction, where coaches—often supervisors or experienced colleagues—offer insights, share knowledge, and encourage self-reflection.

In contrast, evaluating employee performance through tests or conducting performance appraisals typically involve structured assessments that are less about ongoing development and more about assessing established competencies. While these processes are important for overall performance management, they do not fulfill the intention of coaching, which is rooted in continuous improvement and informal learning.