Real-Time Coaching Examples

Context: Owner delaying vendor decision

"I've noticed you've asked your team for input on the vendor decision three times this week, but you already have all the information you need. Here's what I'm seeing: you're using 'getting more input' as a way to avoid making the call. Your team is looking to YOU to make the decision—they're waiting for your leadership, not another meeting. The delay is costing you momentum. Make the decision by end of day today. Your gut already knows the answer—trust it. I'll be here if you need to talk it through before you decide."

Context: Observing sales manager meeting

"Just watched your sales manager address the team about the new process. Here's the problem: she spent 15 minutes explaining WHAT needs to happen but never explained WHY. Your team isn't resistant to the change—they just don't understand the reason behind it. I saw three people zone out halfway through because they couldn't connect the dots. Have her send a follow-up email TODAY that explains the 'why'—specifically how this change benefits THEM and makes their jobs easier. I'll draft a template structure for you if you want it in the next 30 minutes."

Context: Owner announcing new policy

"You just announced the new attendance policy, but you ended it with 'I know this might not be perfect, but we'll see how it goes.' That one sentence just told your team this policy is negotiable and temporary. You gave them permission to not take it seriously. When you make a leadership decision, own it. Next time you address the team (which should be this afternoon), reframe it: 'We're implementing this attendance policy effective immediately. I'm confident it's the right move for the business. Let's give it 30 days, and I'll check in with you on how it's working.' See the difference? One invites pushback, the other establishes expectation."

Context: Owner working on marketing materials

"I've watched you spend 3 hours today tweaking your website copy. Meanwhile, your operations manager has asked you twice about the inventory decision that's holding up $40K in orders. You're hiding in the 'busy work' because the inventory decision feels overwhelming. I get it—but your avoidance is costing you real money. Close the laptop, take 15 minutes to review the inventory options with fresh eyes, and make the call. The website copy was fine two hours ago. This is about priority management—high-impact decisions first, polish later. Want to talk through the inventory decision on a quick call?"

Context: Underperforming employee situation

"You've mentioned Sarah's performance issues three times this week, but you haven't had a direct conversation with her. I watched you almost bring it up in your one-on-one today, but you pivoted to safe topics instead. Here's what's happening: every day you avoid this conversation, the problem gets bigger, your frustration grows, and Sarah stays clueless about where she stands. Your team is also watching how you handle (or don't handle) this. Schedule a conversation with Sarah for tomorrow morning. I'll send you a conversation framework in the next hour. You'll feel 100 pounds lighter after you have this talk—I promise."

Context: Owner in back-to-back stressful meetings

"Quick check-in: I can see you're running hot right now. You've had three tense conversations in the past two hours, and I just watched you snap at your assistant over something minor. You've got two more meetings scheduled this afternoon. Here's my advice—reschedule them. You're not in the right headspace to make good decisions or lead effectively right now. Take the rest of the afternoon to reset. Go for a walk, step away from the building, clear your head. Your team needs the best version of you, not the stressed version. Those meetings will be more productive tomorrow when you're centered. This isn't weakness—it's strategic leadership."