Effective Coaching Strategies for Performance Enhancement …because most of the magic is already inside you.

I thought I would make my first blog post on here a window into my own views on what coaching is and isn’t. I don’t just mean sports coaching. I include the role of the Business Team Manager as a coach. Coaching is a bit like holding a torch for someone who’s actually carrying the map. The answers are usually tucked away inside the individual — the coach just helps shine a light so they can spot them without tripping over their own boots. Whether we’re talking sports, business, or life in general, a good coaching conversation can turn “I have no idea what I’m doing” into “Ah… I did know that!”

So, what is the Real Role of a Coach

A coach isn’t a boss, a judge, or a walking instruction manual. They’re more like a friendly guide who helps you notice what’s already working well (and gently points out what’s not). Good coaches help you see things you’ve been too close to notice — a bit like finding your glasses after 20 minutes of searching, only to realise they were on your head the entire time. Oh, and by the way, there is a big difference between teaching and coaching although you can move back and forth between them.

Building Trust and Rapport to open the door to progress

Before any real progress happens, there needs to be an element of trust between the individuals. Without it, coaching feels like shouting advice through a random letterbox. There needs to be real communication taking place. I’m sure that doesn’t come as a shock to anyone yet it is often missing.

No communication = No coaching

So, what can we do to help?

Consistency: Turn up. Keep turning up. Have the same you turn up. Try not to surprise anyone. Familiarity opens the door to communication.

Active Listening: Listen to people rather than rehearsing your reply in your head before they have even finished. It makes a real difference and people can tell.

Setting Clear Goals (and then put them to one side)

Goals give direction like a satnav, but without the passive-aggressive “recalculating.”

Using the classic SMART approach helps people turn vague wishes into clear “let’s actually do this” steps.

Great, that’s what the book says but what now? How about the coach putting the processes in place to make change happen? Good and great coaches concentrate on processes. The outcome will be what it will. Set the goals and processes in a language the team understand.

Providing Constructive Feedback

Feedback doesn’t have to feel like a performance review from a disappointed headteacher. The irony is that many coaches spend a lot of time telling people they have performed badly. Generally, people already figured that bit out, it’s the getting better bit they need help with. When feedback is specific, reasoned, and focused on behaviours (not personality), it becomes fuel for growth.

Great coaches often invite people to reflect first — because the person usually knows what could be better before the coach says a word.

Encouraging channelled self-belief

Channelled self-belief is the belief that you can get better at things with effort — which is good news for anyone who’s ever said “I’m just not good at that.”

Coaching helps people see mistakes as stepping-stones rather than proof they should give up and take up basket weaving (no disrespect intended to basket weavers or their coaches; it was the first thing that came into my head).

Creating a Positive Environment

A great coaching space feels safe, supportive, and human. Why is this so important? The more open the space is, the more likely there is to be an honest declaration and discussions of the fails. As a human you learn and grow through failure. The coaching environment should be a place where people can be honest about their struggles but also celebrate their wins — even the tiny ones. And celebration is important as well. Big or small, they remind people that growth is happening — and that they did it themselves, with the coach simply cheering from the sidelines.

Final Thoughts

Coaching isn’t about handing over answers. It’s about helping people uncover the ones they already carry within them or giving them the tools to discover new answers for themselves. With a supportive nudge, a little structure, and a touch of humour, individuals can explore their potential and surprise themselves with what they discover.

Or you can just carry on telling them they are rubbish until things improve.

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Ready to Unlock What’s Already Inside You?

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I don’t hand out magic answers — I help you find the ones you already have.

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If you’re ready to start that journey, let’s talk. Your next breakthrough might already be within reach — you just need someone to help you look in the right direction.