How coaching helps leaders discover their style and lead with confidence

Leadership isn’t about having a title or authority. It’s about influence, trust and the ability to guide others through complexity. Yet for many managers stepping into leadership roles, the transition can feel daunting. Questions like “What kind of leader am I?” or “How do I lead with confidence?” are common - and often unanswered by traditional training alone.

This is where coaching makes the difference. Far from being a perk reserved for senior executives, coaching is one of the most effective tools for helping leaders discover their unique style and build the confidence to lead authentically.

Why leadership style matters

Your leadership style shapes how you communicate, make decisions and build relationships. When leaders lack clarity about their style, they risk inconsistency, which can erode trust and create uncertainty within teams. A clear, authentic style helps leaders act in line with their values, even under pressure.

The Strength Report 2025 published by Sam Heighway of Be Business Fit reinforces this point. Many respondents described coaching as the turning point in finding their leadership identity. One middle manager shared: “I was new to a leadership role and needed someone to help me find my style and confidence.” This sentiment reflects a widespread need: leaders want more than technical skills - they want credibility and clarity.

The confidence gap in new leadership roles

Stepping into leadership often comes with high expectations and little room for error. New leaders may feel pressure to “perform” without the support they need to succeed. According to the report, common reasons for seeking coaching include:

• Developing management and leadership skills
• Having a confidential sounding board
• Navigating challenging team dynamics
• Building confidence in decision-making

Without this support, leaders can struggle to assert themselves, manage conflict effectively or communicate with impact. Over time, these gaps can lead to disengagement, poor team performance and even costly disputes.

How coaching bridges the gap

Coaching provides a safe, confidential space for leaders to explore who they are and how they want to lead. Unlike generic training, coaching is tailored to the individual. It helps leaders:

• Clarify values and behaviours so they can lead consistently
• Build confidence by testing ideas and decisions in a non-judgemental environment
• Develop communication skills that inspire trust and engagement
• Navigate transitions such as stepping into a new role or managing a larger team

As one senior leader quoted in the report put it: “Having a coach made me braver in making decisions and dealing with difficult people.” That bravery translates into better outcomes for both the leader and the organisation.

The organisational payoff

Investing in coaching isn’t just about personal growth - it’s about business results. The Strength Report highlights the hidden costs of not supporting leaders: grievance investigations, lost productivity and recruitment expenses can far exceed the cost of a coaching programme. When leaders feel confident and clear about their style, organisations benefit from:

• Stronger team cohesion
• Reduced conflict and turnover
• Faster integration of new leaders
• Improved decision-making and performance

The real question isn’t whether coaching is worth it, but what it costs when leaders don’t get the support they need.

Making coaching part of leadership development

If your organisation wants to build confident, future-ready leaders, coaching should be integrated into development programmes, not offered as an afterthought. Pairing leadership training with 3–6 months of coaching can bridge the gap between knowledge and application, ensuring new skills stick.

Where to start

If this resonates with you, begin by exploring what coaching could look like in your context. Whether it’s supporting someone stepping into a new role or helping an experienced leader sharpen their approach, coaching offers a practical way to build confidence and clarity.