Coaching Conversations for Managers

About this course

Coaching shifts a manager's role from giving answers to helping people find their own solutions. This course teaches a simple structure for coaching conversations, shows how open questions open up thinking and explains when to coach and when to direct. You will finish with a practical habit for regular development conversations that you can start in your next one-to-one.

What you will be able to do

• You'll be able to use open questions to help a team member reflect
• You'll be able to structure a coaching conversation from goal to next step
• You'll be able to recognise when to coach and when to direct
• You'll be able to track development progress across regular check-ins

Course outline

1. From Directing to Coaching

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Directing is telling people what to do, while coaching helps them think through a problem and choose their own actions. Both have a place, but a team that depends on the manager for every answer cannot grow.
2. Open Questions That Open Thinking

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Open questions invite reflection, while closed questions produce a yes or no. Learning to ask open, curious questions is the core skill of coaching.
3. A Simple Coaching Structure

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   A simple structure keeps a coaching conversation focused. The GROW model, which covers goal, reality, options and way forward, is a widely used framework that works in short conversations.
4. Coaching Through a Real Problem

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Real problems are rarely tidy. Coaching a live issue requires patience, careful listening and the courage to step back when the person is ready to find their own answer.
5. Making Coaching a Habit

   11 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Coaching works best when it is regular and recorded. A simple routine, consistent notes and a clear view of progress keep development on track.
6. Tools you'll need

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Coaching needs a quiet place, a simple note system and a calendar. Most managers already have what they need, so the focus is on consistency.
7. Careers & next steps

   5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quiz

   Coaching skills are valued in team leadership, people management and learning roles. This lesson shows where they lead and how to check what they may be worth.
8. Final quiz and certificate

   10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.