Coaching Others
- Sanders Coaching Team
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
“Coaching is no longer a specialty; you cannot be a good manager without being a good coach.”— Eric Schmidt, former Chairman of Alphabet and CEO of Google
This month, we’re focusing on the power of coaching others. Too often, when someone hears they’re “getting coaching,” it’s interpreted as a negative—something that happens only when there’s a problem. But great leaders know that coaching is not a punishment. It’s an investment. Coaching should be seen as a reward—an opportunity to grow, develop, and maximize potential.
What Is Coaching?
Coaching is not the same as advising, mentoring, or correcting. Instead, coaching invites individuals—team members, peers, and even leaders—to tap into their own strengths and past experiences to navigate challenges and opportunities.
When people develop their own solutions based on what already works for them, they are more satisfied, effective, and resilient. This, in turn, leads to stronger teams and better results for the organization.
Are You a Good Coach?
Consider these questions:
Do you genuinely enjoy helping others grow, or do you worry that developing their skills might mean they’ll leave?
Do you assign work based on people’s strengths, or do you default to telling them exactly how to do it?
Do you foster transparency and trust, or do you withhold information out of caution or control?
Your answers can reveal where you are on your coaching journey—and where there’s room to grow.
How to Build Your Coaching Skills
Prepare – Take time to plan and even rehearse your coaching conversations.
Let Go of Assumptions – Enter discussions without assuming what the other person will say or do.
Ask, Don’t Tell – Shift from giving advice to asking thoughtful, open-ended questions.
Listen Deeply – Be fully present. Focus on what’s being said—and what’s not.
Reflect and Learn – After the conversation, ask yourself:
Did I really listen?
Did I ask meaningful questions?
What surprised me?
In a strong coaching conversation, the coach speaks less than 20% of the time. If you notice yourself dominating the conversation, pause and ask more questions instead.
Keep Learning
Developing coaching skills is a continuous process. Here are some great resources to help you grow:
Books
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Co-Active Coaching by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, and Laura Whitworth
Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra
Podcasts
Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak
Coaching Real Leaders with Muriel Wilkins
Want personalized support as you develop your coaching mindset? Reach out to us—we’re here to help.
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