According to the International Coach Federation, "Professional Coaching is an ongoing partnership that helps clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life."

"My coaching is guided by a lifelong commitment to helping others, continually learning new things and the joys of success."  - Al Lautenslager

The following is from Bea Fields, president of fivestarleader.com and further expands on the question of, “What is coaching?”

I have found during the last three years in my journeys as a new coach that explaining the profession of coaching to people unfamiliar with the industry has often been challenging. As a result, I have composed for you these ten ways you can respond to the question "What in the heck is coaching?"

1. It's not therapy.

"Coaching is like product development, and you are the product." (Fast Company Magazine)

2. Compare it to golf.

"It's not about changing your game, it's about fine-tuning your swing, for peak performance."

3. It is like a fantastic road trip.

"Coaching is a journey that can lead to amazing discoveries and an exciting destination."

4. It involves taking a closer look at your life.

"Coaching involves a review of your career, strengths, and shortcomings with the goal being to pinpoint skills that need honing."

5. It is a partnership.

"A coach is like your personal and business strategist. Together, we will use brainstorming to spark creativity to support you in making tough decisions."

6. It is action-oriented, and you are in charge.

"Coaching involves creating a high-impact action plan where you reach your own conclusions about what tendencies merit focus."

7. A coach is like a designer.

"A coach works with you to custom design a life that is perfect for you."

8. A coach is also a teacher.

"You can use a coach to master a skill. Coaches are trained in a variety of skills including internet, time management, leadership, and communication skills."

9. It is like personal training.

"Just as personal training builds physical muscles, coaching can help you develop the mental and emotional muscles needed to tackle life's challenges."

10. A coach is like a guardian angel.

"A coach is someone who may but tough but who watches over you and will always be on your side."