From Commanding to Coaching – The Shift Every Leader Needs to Make

From Commanding to Coaching – The Shift Every Leader Needs to Make

For decades, leadership was defined by command: set direction, give orders, expect results. And for a time, that worked.

Today’s workplace is too complex, too fast-paced, and too reliant on collaboration for command-and-control leadership to succeed in high-performing teams.

Leaders who thrive now don’t just direct—they coach.

They ask instead of assume.

They unlock rather than dictate.

They understand that their role isn’t to have all the answers, but to create the conditions for their teams to discover them.

I’ve coached executives who initially struggled to let go of control.

“If I’m not providing direction, what’s my role?”

But when they began shifting to a curiosity-based approach—listening, guiding, and empowering—the impact was undeniable: more ownership, more creativity, and, yes, better results.

Command gets compliance.

Coaching builds commitment.

And in the long run, commitment always outperforms compliance.

Reflection for you: Where in your leadership are you still commanding when you could be coaching? What would happen if you led with questions instead of answers?