Coaching Skills for Managers
Build managers who multiply team performance through practical, “coach-like” conversations.
When managers default to giving answers, fixing problems, or stepping into quickly, they miss the opportunity to unlock others’ potential. Over time, this limits capability, creates dependency, and quietly turns managers into bottlenecks.
The most effective managers aren’t those with all the answers — they’re the ones who create the conditions for others to learn and take ownership.
What Does It Mean to Be More "Coach-Like"?
Ever wondered what it really means to be a 'coach'? And how this plays out in the real world, where managers often need to wear multiple ‘hats’ across a typical day or week?
This program isn't about turning participants into “Coaches” (with a capital “C”).
Instead, it focuses on developing a more “coach-like” mindset, and learning how to create meaningful coaching moments within the everyday flow of work (Michael Bungay Stanier style!).
It also helps participants recognise some of the common barriers to adopting a coaching approach – particularly the pull to step in, solve problems, or have the “answers”– and the longer term impact this can have on capability, ownership, and team performance.
Managing Coaching Conversations
Despite the emphasis on becoming more "coach-like”, participants will still learn how to navigate dedicated coaching conversations using the well-tested GROW coaching model.
A key focus of the program involves exploring, practising and experimenting with some of the key skills required for effective coaching conversations – many of which are much easier in theory than in practice!
The program provides a safe, supportive environment for learning through a range of skills practice activities, as well as the insights and experiences shared within the peer learning environment.
Practical Tools & Resources
As with all our programs, a comprehensive range of practical tools and resources are provided, helping participants put their learning into practice immediately.
Resources include (but are not limited to):
Structured conversation guides and frameworks
Worksheets targeting specific skills (e.g. using reflect. statements, asking great questions, demonstrating empathy)
Real-world examples and scenarios
Examples of things to say in different situations
A curated library of additional reading and resources, for those who want to deepen their learning.
The program includes “done-for-you” tools designed to support practical application of learning post-training.
Core Program: Coach-Like Conversations
Everyday Ways to Empower Others
Our flagship workshop equips participants with knowledge, insights and skills for adopting a more “coach-like” approach in everyday interactions. Whether you're leading a team, managing projects, or supporting colleagues, you'll build practical skills for guiding others, asking insightful questions, and encouraging growth through impactful conversations.
What Participants Will Learn:
Understanding coaching fundamentals - What coaching is (and isn't), and what shifting between different roles and ‘modes’ might look like
Developing a “coach-like” mindset - Simple strategies for shifting to a coaching-oriented approach, but without the pressure of becoming a full-time "coach"!
The GROW coaching model - Practical advice from an experienced Organisational Psychologist on using this proven framework in both structured and everyday conversations, and across a range of different settings
Essential coaching skills - Tips, guidance and practical instruction in demonstrating the key skills & behaviours that support effective coaching conversations
Navigating difficult conversations - Strategies for handling 'big' emotions and sensitive topics with greater confidence
Professional boundaries - Ethics, confidentiality and best practices for building trust and maintaining professionalism
Confidence through practice - Multiple opportunities to practice conversations and receive both peer and facilitator feedback, helping you discover your natural coaching strengths and growth opportunities.
Individual Managers
Team leaders and managers at all levels
Individuals who have either formal or informal responsibilities around supporting others’ growth and development
Leaders who want to empower their teams and build others’ capability (rather than just managing tasks)
Anyone who wants to have more empowering conversations at work!
Who is this Program For?
Organisations & HR Professionals
Companies wanting to build coaching capability across leadership levels
Organisations seeking to create cultures of empowerment and growth
People & Culture or OD teams implementing leadership development initiatives
L&D professionals seeking practical, implementable training solutions
Program Formats & Options
This program is designed to be delivered as a full-day or multiple half-day intensive experience, as this maximises learning through hands-on practice and peer interaction. While we do deliver some forms of the program remotely, the experiential nature of building coaching skills is significantly more effective in face-to-face settings, where participants can practice with ‘real-time’ feedback and build genuine connections.
We can also structure the content across multiple shorter sessions if needed, with optional follow-up activities easily delivered in a remote setting. Reach out to explore your options!
Why work with Leisa?
Why work with me? (Yep, I’m Leisa - hi!)
I’m an endorsed Organisational Psychologist with Masters qualifications and over 20 years of experience, bringing a deep understanding of human behaviour to my programs. I’m also a bit of a nerd about psychology and behaviour at work!
My approach draws on extensive experience in leadership development, neuroscience, positive psychology, employee engagement, and behavioural change. I’ve worked with organisations and individuals across the public and private sectors.
In the last few years alone I’ve facilitated over 295 workshops and sessions with 2100+ participants, and worked with almost 500 leaders as a coach, consultant, or facilitator. Many of my programs are focused on 'leadership conversations’, which is a key area of interest for me given how often I’ve seen leaders struggle with this.
I'm also pretty friendly! And really enjoy helping individuals to learn these skills and tools given the significant difference it can make :-)
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach?
Discover how coaching skills can help you become the kind of leader who multiplies talent, builds capability, and creates lasting positive change in your organisation.
Contact us today to discuss how this program can be tailored for your team or organisation.