Which statement best describes the relationship between coaching and performance reviews?

• A. They are unrelated processes
• B. They are the same thing
• C. Coaching is ongoing and part of direct performance; performance reviews evaluate and provide feedback on performance
• D. Performance reviews always precede coaching

Answer: (C)

Coaching is an ongoing developmental activity that happens as work is being done, with frequent feedback, guidance, and skill-building to improve performance in real time. Performance reviews are formal, scheduled evaluations that look back over a defined period, assess outcomes against expectations, and document findings. The best description of their relationship is that coaching drives continuous improvement during daily work, while performance reviews summarize performance over a period and set formal goals for the next cycle. They work together within a solid performance-management approach; coaching informs and supports development, and reviews provide accountability and a formal record. The other options don’t fit because coaching isn’t unrelated or the same as a review, and reviews don’t always precede coaching.