Alright, let’s talk about unlocking your team’s potential. Because here’s the truth: no matter how talented your team is, they’re not going to perform at their best unless you’re intentional about coaching them. And I don’t mean the kind of coaching where you just give feedback or step in when something’s wrong. I’m talking about personalized coaching—where you meet people where they are, help them grow in ways that work for them, and, ultimately, unlock their full potential.
So, where do you start? It begins with knowing your team—not just their strengths and weaknesses, but what motivates them, how they prefer to communicate, and where they want to go in their career. A lot of leaders skip this step because they’re busy, but trust me, investing time upfront pays off. Ask questions. Listen. Learn what drives them.
Once you’ve done that, the next step is tailoring your approach. This is where a lot of leaders fall into the trap of treating everyone the same. But let’s face it: what works for one person might not work for another. Some people need regular check-ins and guidance. Others thrive with autonomy and just a little encouragement. The more you adapt to their individual needs, the better results you’ll see.
Another key part of personalized coaching is creating a culture of continuous feedback. And this doesn’t mean waiting for performance reviews. It means giving feedback in real time, both positive and constructive. The more immediate and specific your feedback is, the more actionable it becomes. And when you frame feedback as a way to help them grow, not criticize, it builds trust.
Now, here’s something important: personalized coaching isn’t just about fixing weaknesses. It’s about amplifying strengths. When you help people lean into what they’re already great at, you’ll see their confidence—and their results—skyrocket.
Finally, don’t forget to invest in your own development as a coach. One of my favorite resources on this is The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier. It’s an incredibly practical guide to asking the right questions and coaching effectively. You can check it out here.
So, to recap: know your team, tailor your approach, focus on feedback, amplify strengths, and never stop growing as a coach. Personalized coaching isn’t just about improving performance—it’s about building a team that feels empowered and supported. And that’s where the magic happens.
