What does it say about a leader who hires a coach?
Leaders rarely hesitate to invest in coaching for their employees.
But when it comes to themselves, the question changes:
What does it say about me if I need a coach?
Shouldn’t I already know how to handle this?
Shouldn’t I be able to get people onboard, deal with the difficult employee, or stop getting frustrated with the same patterns on my team?
Interestingly, these same leaders see the value of coaching immediately when it comes to developing others.
But when it comes to themselves, the standard shifts.
So let’s look at that question differently.
What’s actually true about a leader who hires a coach?
1. They’re secure enough to not know everything
Leadership gets complicated fast.
You’re navigating personalities, expectations, accountability, team dynamics… and the occasional employee who knows exactly how to push your buttons.
A leader who seeks coaching isn’t failing.
They’re self-aware enough to know they don’t have to figure it all out alone — and confident enough to say so.
2. They protect space to think
Most leaders move from meeting to meeting, decision to decision.
There’s very little time to slow down and reflect on what’s actually happening with their team.
Coaching creates that space — not just once, but consistently.
A place to step back, think out loud, and make sense of the patterns playing out day after day.
3. They choose to be proactive
Too often, leaders wait until something has already blown up before outside help shows up.
An employee is disengaged.
A team dynamic has deteriorated.
A leader is already burned out.
Working with a coach earlier is simply a different approach.
It’s a proactive investment in stronger conversations, clearer alignment, and healthier team dynamics — before problems escalate.
Here’s something to consider as you head into the week:
What’s one small frustration on your team right now?
And what might change if you addressed it earlier… instead of later?
Because the leaders I work with say this all the time:
“I wish I had reached out sooner.”
💜Stacey
PS If this resonates, reply. I receive each and every message personally.
