Brenda’s Blog

When Coaching ISN’T the Answer …

I’m a big advocate of C-Suite execs becoming what I call “coach-leaders” — integrating coaching into how they lead every day.

When done well, coach-leadership is truly transformational — for the executive, their team, and the organization as a whole.

But… even coaching has its limits.

A client recently shared a challenge: He was diligently coaching his direct reports. Asking questions. Creating space. Letting them lead.

It went really well — until it didn’t. Missed deadlines. Unhappy clients. Rising frustration.

It had turned into a classic case of what I call “over-coaching.”

I shared with him:

“Your team is like a car zipping down the highway. If they start veering into a ditch, what do you do? Stand by and coach?

Of course not! You take the wheel, hit the brakes, and steer them back on track.”

Being a strong coach-leader doesn’t mean *always* coaching. It means knowing *when* to coach …and when the moment calls for more clarity, speed, and decisive action.

🎯 It’s a judgment call for leaders:

·  When is coaching helpful?
·  And when is it a detour from what the team truly needs?

💬 What about you — how do you decide when to coach vs. when to step in and take charge?