Coaching is a partnership between a coach and clients in a thought-provoking and original process that supports in identifying goals and taking steps to reach them. It is a form of development in which a coach supports a client or coachee in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance, by essentially asking questions. The first use of the term "coach" arose around 1830 in Oxford University slang for a tutor who "carried" a student through an exam. Since then it has been used widely across different fields and expanded into sports, leadership & personal development, wellness, financial and psychology.
Coaching differs from mentoring. Coaching focuses on short terms, specific tasks or objectives and is performance driven. Whereas mentoring concentrates on long terms, more general goals or overall development, and is relationship oriented. Both are complementary and can be used simultaneously or sequentially.