Coaching in management is no longer a luxury — it’s the most effective way to engage today’s employees. In the past, management was all about control and commands. But today, employees want more: support, growth, and meaningful feedback. That’s why the best managers are now acting as coaches.
Here are 3 suggestions that can enhance your management impact:
1. Be Curious — Ask Before You Tell
The journey to becoming a manager-coach starts with curiosity. Don’t just direct — ask coaching questions. What are your employees’ goals? What support do they need? What are their strengths?
Good managers ask questions like:
“What went well for you today?”
“Where can I support you better?”
Then they listen to understand — not just to reply. That’s the essence of coaching in management.
2. Support Through Everyday Conversations
Coaching doesn’t require formal sessions. Most effective coaching moments come from casual, real-time conversations.
Ask:
“What are you most proud of this week?”
“What challenges slowed you down?”
These moments help employees feel seen and supported — and create a sense of belonging and growth.
3. Focus on Performance, Strengths, and Belonging
Coaching doesn’t mean lowering standards. Instead, coaches hold employees accountable through strengths-based conversations.
Focus on future success, not past mistakes.
Help employees use their talents to drive results.
Build a culture where everyone feels they belong.
The goal of coaching in management is to inspire responsibility, not avoid it.
How Leaders Can Promote Coaching
Coaching in management thrives when leadership supports it. Here’s how leaders can help:
1. Coach Your Managers
Train managers using real coaching practices. Give them the experience of being coached.
2. Redefine Roles
Reduce admin overload so managers have time to coach. Shift expectations to prioritize employee growth.
3. Provide Coaching Development
Offer coaching programs designed to build long-term coaching skills and mindsets.
Why Coaching in Management Works
Employees don’t leave companies — they leave bad managers. Coaching in management creates better leaders, better teams, and better results.
A strong coaching culture increases agility, engagement, and productivity. It’s not complex — it just requires consistency and the right tools.
Programs like the Coaching for Leaders at International Coaching Education, ICE equip managers with practical coaching skills that go beyond business — helping people thrive at work and in life.
Your next step:
If you are interested in learning coaching skills to get better performance from your team, or to add an additional stream of income, then we invite you to contact ICE for information on the Coaching Business Accelerator.
All our Coaching programs are ICF accredited including the Level 1 Associate and the Level 2 Professional programs. They are designed for professionals who value progress and may transition to earning income from their coaching business.
We also have a program for those who have had some ICF accredited training, and wish to transition to level 2 by enrolling in the Bridge program.This transition will enhance your impact so that you can add massive value for your business and clients.
Taymour Miri is an ICF master coach and a Gallup certified strengths coach and more recently one of the first 136 coaches world wide to be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Team Coaching. He has 30 years’ experience in leadership roles and 20 years of experince in coaching. Taymour has trained over 1,500 coaches across five continents and is the founder of International Coaching Education (ICE).