Coaching is a structured interpersonal method for developing individual capability through guided reflection, goal-setting, and performance feedback. Its parameters are: (1) modality — one-on-one or facilitated small group; (2) duration — time-bound engagement with defined objectives; (3) focus — behavioral change, skill refinement, or goal achievement rather than content delivery; (4) method — Socratic questioning, active listening, and structured feedback loops rather than didactic instruction. The coach facilitates learning and change without delivering content directly, distinguishing coaching from teaching and mentoring. [formal: coaching | substrate: behavior | horizon: a life | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
coaching
Coaching is a structured interpersonal method for developing individual capability through guided reflection, goal-setting, and performance feedback. Its parameters are: (1) modality — one-on-one or facilitated small group; (2) duration —…
Definition
Why it is in scope
a human-made practice where an experienced guide works one-on-one with a learner to develop skills, improve performance, and build self-directed capability through dialogue and feedback
Names and aliases
- coachingen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmsa8waf503477skqyquk9janINSTANCE_OF →
coaching INSTANCE_OF training per Law 9: 'coaching is a specific kind of training' focused on individual development, performance improvement, and goal-setting rather than skill acquisition. Nearest kind is training. A competent speaker would call coaching 'a form of training.'
- cmrg5g8tq00mz2a1nkmqfmaj4INSTANCE_OF →
Coaching IS a specific kind of practice. It is a structured, intentional interaction aimed at developing capability in another. A competent speaker would call coaching 'a practice.' This follows the same pattern as best-practice → practice which was accepted.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Aug 1, 2026, 11:10 AM UTC
- Content hash
- af81c20243f91af2e64ed31185f2b730f1c346219c3f42f92bf149b012368072