What Is Leadership Coaching - and do I need it?
A practical guide to understand the value of coaching and whether it’s right for you.
Leadership isn’t only about strategy, action and results. It’s about people, the relationships you build, the culture you create, and how you show up under pressure.
But this is often the part we find hardest.
If you’re a founder of a fast-growing or scale-up business, or a senior leader in an established company, you might feel stuck in the day-to-day, with no time to look ahead at your personal or business growth. You know you need space to see the big picture, but can’t find the time.
Coaching creates that space. A pause. A reset. A practical, human way to reflect, refocus and re-energise.
What Is Leadership Coaching?
Leadership coaching is a one-to-one partnership that helps you lead more confidently and intentionally. It gives you time to work on yourself: your mindset, your energy and your growth. It’s not training. It’s not therapy. It’s not someone telling you what to do. It is a:
A safe and focused place to think clearly and gain perspective.
A confidential space to discuss the things you find difficult, challenges, changes or people issues
A support system to encourage you to overcome the things that may be holding you back.
A partnership that holds you accountable for taking action, following through, and staying aligned with what matters most
Leadership Coaching versus Executive Coaching
Both terms are used interchangeably, but here’s a helpful distinction:
Leadership Coaching supports anyone in a leadership role, from new team leaders to department heads.
Executive Coaching is typically for senior leaders, founders, directors and C-suite with strategic responsibilities.
At Growth Space, I offer both, tailored to your goals, role and organisational context.
Coaching vs Mentoring vs Consulting: What’s the Difference?
Coaching, mentoring, and consulting all offer guidance and support, but they differ in their approach and focus. Coaching helps you develop skills and achieve goals through a structured process, while a mentor is a trusted advisor who shares experience and expertise. Consulting provides expert advice to solve specific problems or challenges. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right kind of support.
I focus primarily on coaching, but where it’s useful and invited, I may step briefly into mentoring to offer insight or examples. This tailored blend is often what creates the biggest breakthroughs.
Coaching versus Mentoring or Consulting.
Who Is Coaching For?
Leadership coaching can help if you are:
A new manager stepping into leadership for the first time
A founder or senior leader navigating change, growth or team dynamics
A manager feeling stuck, stretched or unsure how to lead confidently
An experienced leader wanting to reflect, realign or sharpen their impact
When is Coaching useful
It’s especially powerful during:
Role transitions, promotions or restructures
Culture change
Strategic growth
Leadership challenges
During conflict or when you are finding work relationships difficult.
At times of extreme pressure, stress or burnout
What Happens in a Leadership Coaching Session?
Coaching is designed around you. You bring the topic, the coach brings the structure, challenge and support. It might include:
Reflecting on real-time challenges
Exploring patterns of thought or behaviour
Reframing stuck narratives
Building emotional intelligence
Practising a difficult conversation
Setting boundaries or direction with clarity
What Results Can You Expect?
Coachees I work with often say:
“I’m more confident.”
“I finally tackled that difficult conversation.”
“I feel more comfortable giving feedback.”
“I understand myself better – and others too.”
“I feel calmer, clearer and more in control.”
Tangible outcomes might include:
Increased leadership confidence
Stronger communication and feedback skills
Improved relationships with peers and team members
Greater clarity around values, direction and purpose
Practical strategies to lead through pressure and change
Is Coaching Worth the Investment?
According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), coaching delivers:
70% improved work performance
80% improved self-confidence
73% improved relationships
Do I Need a Coach? 10 Quick Questions to Ask Yourself
Am I feeling stuck or uncertain about what to do next?
Do I lack confidence, feel self-doubt, or experience imposter syndrome?
Do I need to improve relationships and communication with the people I work with?
I don’t know why I find some people more difficult to work with than others?
Am I avoiding difficult conversations or decisions?
Do I want to feel more in control and less reactive?
Have I recently moved into a new role or do I feel out of my depth?
Do I want to lead more intentionally, not just get through the day?
Is stress, self-doubt or overthinking holding me back?
Would time to reflect help me move forward faster?
If you said yes to even just one of these questions, coaching could be exactly what you need.
Ready to try coaching?
If you’re still unsure whether coaching is for you, I offer a complimentary 30-minute coaching session (via Teams or Zoom, your choice). This initial session is an opportunity to explore how coaching could help you, find out more about me, my approach to coaching and explore whether there is a good fit and rapport for us to work together.
Polly Robinson - Leadership Coach
My role is to create a safe, constructive space where you can explore challenges, reflect on your leadership, and achieve personal and professional growth. Through thought-provoking coaching conversations, we’ll build a strong, trusting relationship that balances support and challenge. I’ll encourage you to reflect on your purpose and direction, helping you clarify your goals and overcome obstacles. Together, we’ll ensure that every decision you make is purposeful and impactful.
Expect honest, open, and sometimes challenging discussions that will push you toward deeper self-awareness and professional growth. I’m based in Bristol, in the UK, and coach people across the UK and Europe.
Get in touch:
Call: 07966 475195
Email: polly@pollyrobinson.co.uk
Learn more about Growth Space Leadership Coaching >
