Coaching is a process by which the coach and the client work together to inspire the client to make positive changes in goals set by the client. The coach  may spend a good deal of time helping the client figure out his or her goals,  or if the client is clear on what those goals are,  may spend most of the time on developing strategies and plans of action for the client to put those goals into effect and helping the client keep on target.  Over time, the goals, strategies and progress will be revisited and honed.  The coach also provides encouragement and tries to keep the client on track with the strategies and plans developed with respect to the desired goals.

In a positive coaching relationship, the coach is analytical, encouraging, optimistic, observant, and a good and careful listener.  The coach also believes that with the help of the coach, clients have the ability to self-reflect, develop creative solutions, make desired improvements, and reach realistic goals.