The Two Types of Coaching Every Leader Needs to Know

Are you thinking about developing your leadership skills next year?

If so, I have a suggestion for you.

Focus on developing your coaching skills specifically.

Coaching is a critical leadership skill. It can be used to develop your people and create a high level of engagement on your team.

But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.

Just like you wouldn’t wear a business suit to a casual team meeting, there are various types of coaching that you can leverage in different situations.

Your goal is to understand when to use formal coaching and when to use informal coaching.

Let’s review the difference between these two types of coaching.

Formal Coaching

Formal coaching is essential for planning and prioritization.

It is structured and intentional.

Formal coaching involves:

• Regularly scheduled meetings: Set aside time specifically for your formal coaching meetings so everyone knows it’s a priority.
• Clear documentation: Have an agenda and keep track of what’s discussed, what was agreed upon, and what actions need to be taken.
• Priority-focused discussions: Clarify your goals for each meeting. Ensure that you use these meetings to assess progress and adjust strategies as you see fit.

Formal coaching is incredibly effective because by focusing on your key priorities, you’ll help your team be aligned, clear, and motivated.

Informal Coaching

Informal coaching refers to those brief, daily check-ins and informal conversations with your team members.

It allows you to solve problems on the spot and offer quick guidance or support.

It is spontaneous and in the moment.

Informal coaching involves:

• Quick, day-to-day interactions: Whether it’s a quick chat in the hallway, during a team huddle or over a lunch break, this is the coaching that happens in the moment.
• Real-time problem-solving: Rather than going deep into long-term strategies, informal coaching is about addressing current challenges and finding actionable solutions right now.
• Immediate support and connection: Informal coaching is often just a check-in to see how someone is doing, what’s on their mind, and if they need any help.

Effective coaching doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. 

The key is to be intentional, solution-focused, and consistent.

By using these two approaches to coaching, you’ll help your team stay focused, engaged, and productive—no matter what challenges or distractions they’re facing.