By Addy Smith
Coaching isn’t just a skill for sports teams. Being a coach as a manager helps employees grow, builds trust, and ultimately boosts performance. If you’re a manager, developing coaching skills is an essential way to take your leadership to the next level in 2025.
Here’s how you can up your coaching game:
1. Adopt a Coaching Mindset
Coaching starts with mindset. Instead of focusing on solving problems for your team, shift to asking questions that help them find solutions. Think of yourself as a guide, not a fixer.
Try This: Next time an employee comes to you with a problem, resist the urge to jump in with a solution. Instead, ask:
- “What options have you considered?”
- “What do you think would work best, and why?”
2. Sharpen Your Listening Skills
Coaching is as much about listening as it is about asking the right questions. Active listening shows your team that you value their input and helps you uncover what’s really going on.
Pro Tip: Stop multitasking during conversations. Reflect back what you hear by saying, “What I’m hearing is…”
3. Master the Art of Feedback
Feedback is a core part of coaching, but it’s not about pointing out mistakes—it’s about creating growth opportunities. Make feedback specific, actionable, and balanced.
Example:
- Instead of saying, “Your report was sloppy,” try:
- “I noticed a few errors in the report. Let’s review it together so we can ensure clarity and accuracy next time.”
4. Use Powerful Questions
The best coaches ask questions that challenge people to think deeply and take ownership. Swap closed questions (“Did you finish the project?”) for open-ended ones like:
- “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with this project?”
- “What resources or support would help you succeed?”
5. Encourage Self-Reflection
Help your team reflect on their own performance and development. This builds self-awareness and encourages continuous learning.
Activity Idea:
At the end of a project, ask your team:
- “What went well?”
- “What could we do differently next time?”
6. Invest in Your Own Development
Great coaches never stop learning. Stay ahead by refining your skills through training, reading, or even working with a coach yourself.
In 2025, check out:
Final Thoughts
Developing your coaching skills as a manager doesn’t happen overnight, but every step you take makes a difference. The key is to stay curious, patient, and committed to growth—both yours and your team’s.
