At TAG, we believe that growth doesn’t just happen – it's designed. That’s why every team member is part of our coaching programme from day one. With tailored guidance and hands-on support, we help you navigate your career path and build the skills to succeed. But what does this really look like in practice? We sat down with coach Stijn and his coachee Anna-Laura to get the inside story.
A good coaching relationship starts with the right match. TAG uses the ME+U platform’s personality profiling to pair new hires with the best suited coaches to support their development. And that’s how Anna-Laura and Stijn ended up with each other!
Coachees start by working with their coach to learn more about themselves. “You identify your strengths, weaknesses, areas for growth, and potential challenges (SWOT analysis),” explains Anna-Laura. “You then discuss your analysis with colleagues and even people outside work to get the full picture. From there, you build a plan with concrete actions to develop your skills and tackle challenges.”
Being a coach is just as rewarding. As Stijn puts it: “We guide coachees in setting long-term goals and identifying the tools, training, or roles that will help them get there, typically over a three-to-five-year period.”
The coaching journey kicks off with a structured process. “As we mentioned earlier, we start with a SWOT analysis, which we then translate into a Personal Development Plan (PDP),” explains Stijn. “This plan outlines the coachee’s short-term goals (1-2 years) that support the achievement of their long-term goals (3-5 years).”
In addition to personal development, the coaching sessions also act as a sounding board, helping coachees reflect on their progress and prepare for their 180° (first formal evaluation) with their team manager six months into the new job.
As the journey progresses, the structure becomes more flexible. “Our head coach Astrid and her team developed a coaching playbook to help guide conversations and shape sessions,” the coach adds. This includes little games and exercises to help coachees explore career growth opportunities, build expertise, and strengthen key skills.
Lastly, a unique feature of TAG’s approach is the heatmap, which helps coachees manage their workload between client work and internal projects. By tracking upcoming deadlines, they can plan ahead and adjust their commitments accordingly.
For many employees, TAG’s coaching programme has been a game-changer. “As a recent graduate in my first job, I was still exploring where I wanted to grow professionally,” says Anna-Laura. “My coach helps me see what’s possible, set realistic goals, and find concrete ways to learn. He also supported me in joining the internal marketing team, which I’m very excited about.”
Stijn remembers how coaching helped him when he started. “I wanted to improve my French and study something in economics – things that would have remained vague ideas without structured support. Thanks to my coach, I found the right courses, set deadlines, and actually did it.”
When asked if he likes being a coach, he’s very positive. “It’s very rewarding to support someone’s growth, share my own experiences, and see their confidence build. Coaching also sharpens my own leadership and mentoring skills.”
While team managers oversee day-to-day project-based work, coaches focus on long-term personal and career development. “Your coach is someone you can talk to about anything – not just work-related topics, but also personal ambitions and challenges,” Anna-Laura explains. “Your team manager is also a key guide, but their focus is more on projects, client interactions, and the technical side of your role.”
This dual-support system ensures that employees receive both strategic career guidance and hands-on project management, making TAG a uniquely supportive place to grow.
At TAG, coaching isn’t a one-off initiative – it’s a fundamental part of how we help our people thrive. Every employee starts as a coachee, and after a couple of years, you can become a coach yourself. “Before stepping into the role, you receive dedicated training from our Head Coach to ensure you’re equipped with the right skills,” Stijn explains. And the learning never stops. coaches continue to receive support as they help shape the next generation of talent at TAG.
So, whether you’re just starting your career or looking to level up, our coaching programme provides the structure, support, and insights you need to succeed. Ready to take charge of your career? Your next challenge awaits here!