A Concept to Challenge Your Status Quo
Why the Best Leaders Coach, Not Just Manage—And How You Can Too
“A good leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” - Rosalynn Carter
Imagine you’re a conductor, not just keeping time, but drawing out the best in every musician—harmonizing strengths and inspiring a performance greater than the sum of its parts. Or picture a gardener: you don’t just tend to the plants; you nurture the soil, the environment, so everything can flourish. That’s the difference between managing and coaching.
Early in my career, I saw a leader who was always “putting out fires.” He was good at keeping projects on track—until the team hit a wall. Then, he realized: managing processes wasn’t enough. He needed to invest in people, listen, and help them grow. The transformation was profound. The team didn’t just deliver; they innovated and exceeded expectations.
Be a Coach, Not Just a Manager
A manager is process-focused, ensuring work gets done right. But a leader who coaches is people-focused, helping others become who they’re capable of being. Coaching is about honest feedback, support, and encouragement—not just correction, but inspiration.
Think of it like this:
A manager lights a fire under people to get things done. A coach lights a fire in people, so they want to reach new heights themselves.
Or consider the difference between being a captain and a gardener. The captain steers the ship, but the gardener creates the conditions for growth. Which would you rather be?
Start your next team meeting with a simple shift:
Ask, “How can I help you grow this week?” Then listen—really listen.
Give feedback that builds, not just corrects. Encourage risk-taking and learning from mistakes.
Share this newsletter with your team or fellow leaders. Challenge them:
Are you managing processes, or are you coaching people to their potential?
Let’s build leaders who don’t just supervise—but inspire, grow, and transform.
Your team’s best is waiting. Are you ready to coach them there?
