Coaching your team doesn’t always have to happen in formal, dedicated sessions—it can simply be a way of leading. The best coaching often happens in short, consistent moments throughout the day. Here’s how to embed it in the flow of work.
Use in-the-moment nudges. Spot teachable moments in casual settings: after a meeting, in a chat, or on the fly. Ask short questions that spark reflection, not compliance. With consistency, these nudges can lead to growth.
Give people exposure. Bring team members into high-stakes situations. Give them a specific element to observe (for example, “Watch how we handle pricing objections”), then debrief to uncover their insights. Exposure turns into learning only when followed by reflection.
Connect them to others. You don’t need to coach alone. Introduce people to mentors, peers, or experts who can help them grow. Coaching through access builds capability and confidence.
Let go when it’s time. Don’t hold people back for your convenience. Prepare them for bigger roles—even if it means they leave your team. That’s real coaching.
Coach in context. Get out of the meeting room and be where the work happens. Ask questions that draw out judgment and expertise in the moment.
Model the behavior. Show curiosity, openness, and accountability. People learn more from what you do than what you say. |
