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Business Term

Coaching

コーチング

Coaching is a developmental approach that helps individuals improve skills and performance through feedback, practice, and guidance.

Use when
Determines whether a performance issue needs coaching or immediate directive action.
Watch out
Coaching is only for underperformers; it is valuable for high potentials too.
Updated: 05/22/2026Quality: ReviewedSources: 2
What it means

Coaching focuses on building capability rather than simply directing tasks. It involves diagnosing skill gaps, setting improvement goals, and providing feedback and support over time. The concept helps leaders choose when to teach, when to delegate, and how to grow long-term performance.

When it helps

Determines whether a performance issue needs coaching or immediate directive action. Guides how to structure development plans and feedback cycles. Influences talent retention by showing investment in employee growth.

  • Determines whether a performance issue needs coaching or immediate directive action.
  • Guides how to structure development plans and feedback cycles.
  • Influences talent retention by showing investment in employee growth.
How to use it
  • Coaching is most effective when goals are specific and measurable.
  • Regular feedback builds skills faster than annual reviews alone.
  • Coaching requires trust; psychological safety enables learning.
  • Leaders should balance coaching with accountability for outcomes.
  • Documented development plans improve consistency and fairness.
Example

A new account manager struggles with negotiation. Her manager observes client calls, identifies gaps in questioning techniques, and sets a four-week practice plan. They review recordings weekly and track conversion rates. After a month, the manager delegates a larger account to reinforce the new skills.

Compare with

Compare Coaching with adjacent concepts before deciding. Coaching | Current concept | Use when the team needs the primary decision lens Adjacent metric or framework | Supporting lens | Use when the team needs evidence or process detail General vocabulary | Broad explanation | Use only for orientation, not final decision-making

MetricDifferenceWhy read together
CoachingCurrent conceptUse when the team needs the primary decision lens
Adjacent metric or frameworkSupporting lensUse when the team needs evidence or process detail
General vocabularyBroad explanationUse only for orientation, not final decision-making
Common mistakes
  • Coaching is only for underperformers; it is valuable for high potentials too.
  • Coaching replaces clear direction; employees still need expectations.
  • One conversation is enough; coaching is a repeated process.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Coaching?

Use it when the team needs to decide scope, priority, owner, or trade-off, not when it only needs a short definition.

What makes Coaching useful in practice?

It becomes useful when it is tied to evidence, a decision owner, and a concrete next operating choice.

What should I avoid?

Avoid using the term as a label without clarifying assumptions, boundaries, and how success will be judged.

Sources
SourcesKindLink
Principles of Management (OpenStax)tier_sOpen
Principles of Marketing (Open Textbook Library)tier_sOpen