May 13, 2025
My job as a coach is to basically enable leaders to be better leaders. What makes each individual “better” depends on their style, their team, their feedback. But there is one thing that I have seen make a difference for all leaders … a coach approach.
Have you ever noticed how the best leaders don’t just give answers—they ask the right questions? Taking a “coach approach” to leadership is recognizing you don’t need to have all the answers. Instead, it’s about creating space for others to think, grow, and own their outcomes.
It is a hard shift to make. It feels good to know what to do, how to do it and to direct the work. But that can be incredibly limiting for you, the team, and especially the results.
I have a client who prides herself on rolling up her sleeves and digging into the work. The intention was good, but the result was less than ideal. What she didn’t realize was the impact of her over involvement. Her team became dependent, less engaged, and hesitant to bring fresh ideas.
When she shifted to a coach approach—asking, “What do you think is the best next step?”—everything changed. Her team became more proactive, confident, and creative. She didn’t just get better results; she built better people.
Benefits of a Coach Approach to the Team
It’s easy to fall into the trap of being the fixer. But when you lead like a coach, you empower others to find their own answers. Here is why you want to, a coach approach…
- Builds trust and ownership: People feel valued when their voice matters. They start to take responsibility for results. Think increased accountability!
- Boosts engagement: Teams that are coached, not managed, are more motivated and invested in their work. They feel purpose driven and take pride in their impact.
- Drives innovation: New ideas surface when people are encouraged to think for themselves. With complex problems, more heads create more innovative solutions.
- Develops future leaders: Coaching grows people’s skills and confidence so they can step up and lead, too. You are modeling the way.
Benefits of a Coach Approach for the Leader
It’s not just about them, the coach approach can make the difference for the leader in multiple ways. The increased accountability and ownership of the team will lead to…
- Better results, less burnout: When everyone takes ownership, you’re not carrying the whole load yourself. You can think more strategically, advocate, support, monitor, and plan ahead.
- Stronger relationships: Coaching is about connection—really listening, asking, and supporting. That’s the core of Connected Leadership. When people want to work for you, you create loyalty, retention, and all are just happier on the job.
- Continuous growth: The coach approach isn’t just for your team—it will challenge you to grow as a leader, too. When you aren’t mired in the details you open up the possibilities for where you can make greater contributions.
I think EVERYONE should learn to be a coach. Because coaching is a skill for life, not just for work. Whether you’re guiding a team, supporting a friend, or raising a family, the ability to listen deeply and ask powerful questions is transformative. It’s how we help others—and ourselves—move from insight to action.
That’s why I am inviting you all to the Coaching.com Summit happening June 3rd-12th. I have been a facilitator for, and personally attended, this summit in the past and I can tell you – this year’s lineup is exceptional. We’re talking about learning from coaching giants like Keith Ferrazzi, Tasha Eurich, and Michael Bungay Stanier, among many others.
What makes this even better:
• It’s completely FREE
• You’ll earn 5 ICF CCEUs
• Access 30+ global thought leaders
• Participate in live implementation sessions
• Get 72-hour replay access
As my community member, you’ll also get a few more goodies like the Coaching Conflict Toolkit and Breaking Defensive Cycles Reflection Tool.
If you’re ready to explore what a coach approach could do for your leadership
Quick tip: The most popular sessions fill up fast, so I recommend registering early to secure your spot.
Start using the coach approach today. What’s one question you could ask your team this week instead of giving the answer? I’d love to hear your experiences—reply and share your thoughts.
See you at the Summit!