You know when you’re at your best.
You’re clear-headed. Fully present. Open to seeing what’s in front of you. Your thinking is sharp, and your decisions feel right.
Coaching a team member feels easy. You can help them identify what’s holding them back. They can learn to navigate their challenges in their own unique way that works best for them.
But what about when you’re not at your best?
You’re tired. Stretched thin. Pulled in a hundred directions.
You know coaching would help your team, but you don’t have the bandwidth. So you default to quick fixes, giving instructions, or worse—taking over.
This is exactly what the Coaching Efficiency Paradox research explores. You can download the report here if you’d like to dig into the insights yourself.
The research says great coaching improves retention, performance, and morale.
Whilst I agree, there’s something more fundamental to address first: managers or leaders can’t coach from an empty tank.
High-impact leadership starts with you leading yourself effectively first.
- How you manage your own energy and focus.
- How you reset yourself before stepping into a conversation.
- How you hold the space for others—without being consumed by everything else on your plate.
The best coaching starts with how you show up. Lead yourself first.
Try this: Before your next 1:1 conversation, check in with yourself first.
Are you calm? Present? Clear?
If not, take a moment to reset. Even one deep breath can shift your energy.
If this resonates, then take a few minutes to note down (pen and paper!) how you can equip yourself to be calm, present and clear more often.