How Business Coaching Can Elevate Your Leadership Performance

Why Coaching Matters in Leadership

Coaching is one of the most effective ways to elevate performance, whether as a leader or within the workplace. It provides a structured way to empower others, encourage self-reflection, and drive meaningful change. Yet, with so much conflicting information online and coaching being an unregulated industry, many people struggle to understand what coaching truly is and how to navigate their own coaching journey.

In this article, we explore what coaching really means, the key skills needed for effective coaching, and why proper training and accreditation matter.

The Journey into Coaching

Many of us in the coaching profession didn’t necessarily start out with coaching in mind. Often, coaching finds us when we are at a crossroads, seeking clarity in our careers or personal lives.

For those who have spent time in corporate roles, coaching can feel like a missing piece—something that shifts us from simply progressing in our careers to finding true alignment in our work. Coaching has the power to unlock purpose, help individuals step into their potential, and create an impact beyond just climbing the corporate ladder.

Coaching is not just about giving advice—it’s about facilitating transformation. For those who naturally enjoy empowering and enabling others, coaching often becomes a calling rather than just a profession.

What to Consider Before Embarking on a Coaching Journey

For those thinking about hiring a coach or becoming a coach themselves, there are three key things to understand before diving in:

1️⃣ Know What Coaching Really Is

The coaching industry is filled with conflicting information. With no formal regulation, it’s easy to be misled by quick online certifications or misconceptions about what coaching entails.

Some key distinctions to be aware of:

✅ Coaching is not mentoring or training—it’s about guiding people to their own solutions, rather than providing direct answers.

✅ Not all certifications are equal—a £50 online certificate is vastly different from a recognised coaching accreditation backed by extensive training.

✅ Coaching isn’t for everyone—while anyone can be a coach, not everyone should be. Coaching requires deep self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to continuous learning.

2️⃣ Commit to Personal Growth

Whether you’re looking to become a coach or work with one, self-reflection is key. Coaching isn’t just about techniques and frameworks—it requires a willingness to:

✅ Examine your own biases and limitations.

✅ Take feedback with grace and openness.

✅ Challenge yourself to grow beyond your comfort zone.

Often, the hardest part of coaching is the inner work—developing self-awareness, managing ego, and learning to lead with empathy and accountability.

3️⃣ Slow Down and Understand Your "Why"

Many people see coaching as a fast-track career option or a solution to all their problems. However, coaching is not about quick wins—it’s about mastery, depth, and sustainable change.

Before rushing into a coaching career or hiring a coach, ask yourself:

• What do I want to achieve?

• Is coaching the right approach for my goals?

• Am I committed to the long-term process of learning and growth?

Mastery in coaching takes time—often thousands of hours of practice. Whether you are leading a team or building a coaching business, patience and a commitment to crafting your skill set are essential.

The Core Skills of an Effective Coach

Great coaching isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, creating space for growth, and empowering others to take action.

Here are three fundamental coaching skills every leader or coach should develop:

🔹 1. Active Listening

Listening to understand, rather than to respond, is one of the most powerful skills a coach can develop. True active listening involves:

✅ Giving full attention without distractions.

✅ Not rushing to offer solutions.

✅ Reflecting back and clarifying what’s being said.

Coaching isn’t about hearing—it’s about deeply understanding the person in front of you.

🔹 2. Asking Powerful Questions

Coaching is about unlocking solutions within the individual, not dictating answers. The best coaches know how to ask thought-provoking, open-ended questions that encourage reflection and self-discovery.

For example, instead of asking:

❌ “Why don’t you just try this method?”

Try:

✅ “What options have you considered so far? What else might be possible?”

By guiding people to their own solutions, coaching fosters real ownership and accountability.

🔹 3. Leading with Empathy & Accountability

Balancing support and challenge is key to effective coaching. A great coach:

✅ Creates a safe space for open conversation.

✅ Encourages growth and development.

✅ Holds people accountable for their commitments.

Coaching isn’t about being nice—it’s about helping others move forward in a way that serves them best.

Why Coaching Accreditation Matters

With coaching being an unregulated industry, many people wonder whether formal training and accreditation are necessary. The truth is, while anyone can call themselves a coach, professional training:

✅ Ensures credibility and ethical standards.

✅ Provides a structured framework to work from.

✅ Helps coaches develop practical skills beyond just theory.

An accredited coaching programme also helps distinguish serious professionals from those who simply want to make quick money in the industry. It’s not just about having a certificate—it’s about developing real coaching mastery.

As a coach, your reputation and impact come from the depth of your training, your ability to facilitate transformation, and your commitment to continuous improvement.

Coaching as a Leadership Skill

Even if you’re not planning to become a full-time coach, adopting a coaching mindset as a leader can transform your workplace. Coaching skills can be applied in everyday leadership moments, such as:

✅ Giving meaningful feedback.

✅ Empowering team members to find their own solutions.

✅ Creating a culture of continuous growth and improvement.

You don’t need a 60-minute coaching session to make an impact. Sometimes, a five-minute coaching conversation in the right moment is all it takes to change someone’s perspective and trajectory.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Coaching in Leadership

Coaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a skill that can elevate leadership, improve team dynamics, and drive personal and professional growth.

If you’re considering becoming a coach, investing in proper training and accreditation will set you apart and provide the structure needed for long-term success. If you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, incorporating coaching techniques can transform how you interact with your team and the impact you have on those around you.

Coaching is about unlocking potential, and when done right, it creates ripple effects of positive change.

If you’re interested in learning more about accredited coaching training, reach out—we’d love to help you explore the journey of coaching further.

Would you like to explore coaching further? Take a look at our Leadership Coaching With Impact Accreditation: https://www.theethicalcoachingcompany.com/iol-approved-accreditation