According to the International Coach Federation:

"Coaching is an interactive process that helps individuals and organizations to develop more rapidly and produce more satisfying results.  Coaches work with clients in all areas including business, career, finances, health and relationships.  As a result of coaching, clients set better goals, take more action, make better decisions, and more fully use their natural strengths.

Professional coaches are trained to listen and observe, to customize their approach to the individual client's needs, and to elicit solutions and strategies from the client.  They believe that the client is naturally creative and resourceful and that the coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the client already has.  While the coach provides feedback and an objective perspective, the client is responsible for taking the steps to produce the results he or she desires.  Coaching does not focus on relieving psychological pain or treating cognitive or emotional disorders."

"Coaching is the second fastest growing profession in the world, rivaled only by Information Technology." 

Financial Post, April 2007