In most offices, there’s a topic that often goes unspoken: middle managers, who are typically promoted for their technical expertise, can sometimes struggle with the people side of leadership. It’s not because they aren’t capable or talented—often, they’re incredibly skilled at their job. However, leadership requires more than just technical know-how; it requires the ability to manage people effectively, communicate, motivate, and inspire. 

At Engage Coaching, part of The TCM Group, we hear this story time and again. Managers are promoted based on their performance in technical roles, only to find themselves struggling when it comes to managing people. They were fantastic engineers, designers, or analysts, but leading a team of diverse individuals is a completely different challenge. 

The result? Teams can become disengaged, communication breaks down, and performance starts to slide. But the good news is, this problem is not insurmountable. The key to helping these managers—and their teams—is coaching skills. 

 Why Coaching Skills Matter for Managers

1. Improved Communication

Coaching skills allow managers to have meaningful, open conversations with their team members. Instead of simply giving instructions, managers can engage in two-way dialogues, ask the right questions, and truly listen to their employees. This leads to better understanding, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger collaboration.

2. Increased Trust and Engagement

Employees are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they feel valued and supported. By adopting a coaching approach, managers can build trust within their teams. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to contribute ideas, take ownership of their work, and show greater commitment to the team’s success.

3. Greater Flexibility and Adaptability

Every team member is unique, and effective coaching requires managers to adapt their approach to suit different personalities and needs. Learning coaching skills helps managers understand individual work styles, motivations, and challenges, making it easier to navigate those differences and create a harmonious, adaptable team.

4. A High-Performing, Resilient Team

When coaching is embedded within the team culture, it leads to higher performance across the board. Teams that are coached effectively are not only more productive but also more resilient in the face of challenges. Coaching creates a safe space for employees to develop professionally, tackle challenges, and thrive under pressure. 

Embedding a Coaching Culture Across the Organisation 

The impact of coaching isn’t limited to individual managers; it has the potential to transform entire teams and organisations. By embedding a coaching culture throughout your organisation, you create an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and empowered to perform at their best. 

The benefits of a coaching culture include: 

• Stronger relationships between employees and managers 

• More effective conflict resolution when disagreements arise 

• Better collaboration across teams and departments 

• Increased employee retention as people feel valued and invested in 

 When coaching becomes part of your company’s DNA, it improves trust, enhances collaboration, and drives overall team performance. It’s not just about improving one manager’s skills; it’s about creating an organisation where coaching is a core value, benefiting everyone. 

The Bottom Line 

The truth is, the thing no one wants to talk about in offices is that middle managers often struggle with people management. But the solution is simple: coaching. By equipping managers with the skills to coach their teams, you empower them to build better relationships, improve performance, and foster a more engaged, resilient workforce. 

Our team is passionate about helping organisations develop a coaching culture that drives success. If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level and help your teams thrive, let’s talk about how coaching can make a difference in your organisation.

Find out more about our Coaching Skills for Managers and People Professionals training

Or contact our Coaching team directly – Lily.Driver-Thurston@thetcmgroup.com to chat through your objectives.