Coaching Develops Capability

by Jon Close

Jul 13, 2026

Once people begin gaining skill, they often need encouragement.

This stage requires coaching leadership - a balance of direction and support for people who are gaining skill but building confidence.

Leaders continue providing guidance while also encouraging confidence and engagement.

Ken Blanchard reminds us that coaching leaders help people understand both the task and their growing ability to perform it.

Coaching accelerates learning. It also strengthens relationships.

This Week's Practice

Choose someone developing a skill.

This week:

Offer constructive feedback
Encourage progress.
Ask questions that help them think through challenges.

Coaching turns experience into development.

DISC Insight - Coaching for Growth

D - Dominance

Focus on encouraging your team member's progress, not only results.

I - Inspiring

Encourage growth while maintaining accountability.

S - Support

Help your people move beyond their comfort zones.

C- Cautious

Provide them with feedback that builds confidence as well as competence.

Bottom Line:

Coaching transforms learning into capability and prepares people for greater autonomy.

Leaders Model What They Expect

People pay far more attention to what leaders do than what leaders say. Leadership example sets the tone for the entire team. John C. Maxwell teaches that credibility grows when leaders consistently model the behaviors they expect from others to live out. Integrity, preparation, accountability, and attitude are all taught through example. Leadership influence always begins with personal example...

Develop the Person, Not Just the Skill

Skills improve performance, but character and mindset shape leadership. John C. Maxwell emphasizes that leadership development must focus on the whole person—their attitudes, values, discipline, and perspective – not just their technical skills. Skills may help someone perform a task.Character determines how they lead others. Developing the person produces lasting leadership impact. This Week...

Support Builds Confidence

As people grow in skill, they often reach a stage where they can perform but may lack confidence. At this point, leaders shift from directing to supporting-less focus on telling what to do and more on active listening, encouraging and involving them in decisions. Supportive leadership involves listening, encouraging, involving team members in decisions. Ken Blanchard emphasizes that people deve...