How to be a better leader
Contrary to popular opinion, leadership (or management) isn’t a reward – it’s a responsibility.
Gallup’s research shows that 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager. That’s not a typo. You matter that much!
And yet, when you stepped into leadership, its very unlikely that anyone taught you how to be a great people manager.
Make the move from boss to coach
Traditional management roles were born from industrial-era hierarchies — command-and-control mindsets, outputs over people. And, that’s what most leaders default to.
Today, that model is not only outdated, it’s counterproductive.
Instead, you need to think of yourself as a coach because people management isn’t about ticking boxes or delivering WIP updates. It’s about people. It's about relationships.
Coaching requires time, patience and intent. It’s not passive. It’s active engagement in your people’s development. It’s about walking alongside them, not standing above.
Let’s breakdown the difference between the being a boss and being a coach:
Feedback is fuel
Meaningful feedback is the heartbeat of coaching. It’s how your people know they’re seen, valued, and growing.
According to recent research, 80% of employees who say they’ve received meaningful feedback in the past week are fully engaged, regardless of whether they work remotely or in person. That’s powerful.
Yet too often, feedback is saved for performance reviews — once or twice a year.
If that’s your current approach, you’ve already lost the battle.
Feedback should be frequent, personalised, and strengths-focused. It’s time intensive but it doesn’t need to be hard (Use our guide to meaningful conversations).
You don’t need a script to be a great coach. You need presence, curiosity, and a willingness to use your strengths — not just to perform, but to connect.
And here’s the twist: you don’t need to become someone else to have better conversations — you simply need to leverage your own superpowers.
Because leadership isn’t about holding power — it’s about creating possibility.
Ready to have better leader?
Whether you're new to people management or ready to deepen your impact, our leadership coaching can help you tap into your strengths and grow the kind of culture where people thrive.
Get in touch to learn more about 1:1 leadership coaching or tailored programs for your team.