In an HR context, what is "coaching" best defined as?

Coaching in an HR context is best defined as a development process that provides guidance and support to employees. This approach focuses on enhancing an individual's skills, performance, and personal growth by fostering a supportive learning environment. Through coaching, employees can gain insights into their roles, clarify goals, and develop specific competencies, thereby facilitating both personal and professional development.

The essence of coaching lies in its collaborative nature, where a coach helps an employee navigate challenges, set objectives, and unlock their potential. This process often involves ongoing conversations, feedback, and encouragement, making it distinct from other HR practices like performance evaluations or conflict resolution techniques, which have different goals and methodologies.