10/14/2026
ADVICE AND COACHING ARE NOT THE SAME
Suppose someone on your team says:
โI donโt know how to handle this situation.โ
Your first instinct might be:
โHereโs what I think you should do.โ
And sometimes that is exactly what good leadership requires.
People sometimes need instruction, information, expertise, or clear direction.
But coaching offers another option.
Instead of immediately giving the answer, you might ask:
โWhat do you think is really causing the problem?โ
Or:
โWhat options have you considered?โ
Now something different happens.
The person has to think.
They begin examining the situation rather than simply waiting for your solution.
Coaching does not mean you never give advice.
It means you stop assuming advice is always the first thing someone needs.
Before answering in your next leadership conversation, ask yourself:
Does this person need my answerโor would a thoughtful question help them think?
That is a skill worth practicing
