Promoting talent from within is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost productivity and retain institutional knowledge. Yet, many businesses struggle with engagement, job satisfaction, and retention. A competitive salary and training may attract the best employees, but they don’t necessarily keep them – or bring out their best.
The missing piece? Effective coaching skills for managers and leaders.
The Problem: Why Traditional Management Falls Short
Many businesses take a transactional approach: offer fair pay, set expectations, and monitor performance. If employees struggle, provide training. If they fall short, manage them out.
The issue? This doesn’t grow people. Employees who don’t feel valued or developed either disengage or leave – driving up turnover and stalling business growth.
Sustainable success requires a relational approach—one that sees people as whole beings, not just workers. This is where Te Whare Tapa Whā provides a valuable framework.
A Coaching Approach: Supporting the Whole Person
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu – Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly.
Effective coaching is about nurturing the whole person, not just their role. The Te Whare Tapa Whā model, developed by Sir Mason Durie, reminds us that for people to thrive, we need to support their:
- Taha tinana (physical wellbeing): Work-life balance, healthy routines, and sustainable energy.
- Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing): A sense of purpose and alignment with values. Employees who understand why their work matters contribute at a deeper level.
- Taha whānau (social wellbeing): A culture of belonging and strong relationships within the team
- Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing): Psychological safety, continuous learning, and a sense of personal growth.
When one aspect is out of balance, the others provide support – ensuring overall wellbeing.
What Great Coaching Looks Like
Coaching is about unlocking potential, not micro-managing. It involves:
- Guiding, not just managing – Employees need context, not just rules.
- Recognising strengths – Coaching works with employees’ talents, not against them.
- Asking more than telling – Great coaches ask powerful questions.
- Letting go of control – Empower employees to make decisions.
- Making feedback a habit – Regular, constructive conversations drive growth.
Why It Works
A coaching culture leads to:
- Higher engagement and job satisfaction
- Increased innovation
- Stronger retention
- Less micro-management (freeing leaders for strategic work)
The World Economic Forum highlights that coaching improves performance and employee satisfaction, making businesses more agile and resilient.
Leveraging AI as Your Own Coach
Want to develop your coaching skills but don’t know where to start? AI can be a great coach for you.
- Need help structuring conversations? AI can generate coaching scripts or conversation frameworks.
- Want real-time feedback? AI tools can analyse communication styles and offer insights.
- Looking for better coaching questions? AI can suggest powerful, open-ended prompts.
Coaching isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset shift. And in today’s world, you don’t have to do it alone. AI can help you sharpen your coaching muscle, providing support and guidance whenever you need it.
Coaching as a Leadership Skill
Investing in coaching isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage. It creates a workforce that thinks, adapts, and contributes.
So, ask yourself: Are you leading people, or just managing tasks? The shift from boss to coach might be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential.
