When To Invest In Leadership Coaching

Managing people for the first time is exciting—a fresh chapter filled with new experiences and opportunities to grow. But, not to dampen the excitement, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. It's easy to feel lost, fall victim to imposter syndrome, or get bogged down by the endless small tasks that don’t actually help you grow as a leader or move your team forward.

Recognizing these moments is key, and sometimes, it’s the perfect signal that you might need a little extra support—like leadership coaching.

Whether you're leading a team for the first time, running a growing business, or just feeling like your leadership skills have hit a plateau, it’s natural to wonder if you're on the right track.

From coaching underperforming team members to navigating tough conversations, leadership often feels like uncharted territory.

It's only natural to wonder, 'Am I doing this right?’ or even, 'Is this what leadership is supposed to feel like?’

You may even start to wonder about leadership coaching. But how do you know when it’s the right time to invest in coaching? In this blog, we’ll break down the key signs that it might be time to invest in coaching—and how it can help you thrive as a leader.

You Never Received Training

Let’s just address the big, giant elephant in the room (and the reason I do what I do): a LOT of businesses out there do not provide adequate training for their new managers. At an unbelievably critical time in their career. You get promoted, they say "Congrats!" and then... crickets.

Or maybe you're an entrepreneur leading a team for the first time after building your business from the ground up.

Either way, you’re left to Google or Chat GPT your way through everything related to managing a team. Leading people for the first time is a whole new ballgame—and the learning curve is steep. It's a big leap from being a team member or individual contributor to becoming a manager. Suddenly, you're not just responsible for your work; you're responsible for an entire team.

Going in blind can be incredibly stressful. And trying to Google your way through those first months or years? Not only is it ineffective, but it often adds to the chaos and overwhelm.

Coaching will provide you with the tools, clarity, and framework for how to move into your new role and grow as a leader.

You Want to Level Up Your Skills

Maybe you've noticed that communication seems to break down right when it matters most. Or perhaps you've mastered the basics of managing a team—delegating tasks, giving feedback, and having one-on-one meetings—but something still feels off. Maybe you received some training, but you know there's room to grow.

Those moments of uncertainty or doubt? They're actually golden opportunities to sharpen your skills and grow as a leader. If you find yourself repeatedly pausing and second-guessing your approach, it might be time to consider leadership coaching.

What sets great leaders apart is their growth mindset and a commitment to constantly learning and growing. And you're already on that path just by recognizing the potential for more.

You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Do you feel like you’re being more reactive than proactive as a leader? Or constantly buried in back-to-back meetings, unsure how to prioritize your time? Maybe you wake up at night in a panic thinking about your never-ending to-do list—if you can even fall asleep. If this is hitting way too close to home, you, my leader friend, are not alone.

Overwhelm as a new manager is very common and can show up in different ways. Maybe you’re not delegating (it’s just faster if you do it yourself, right?), or you spend your days as a firefighter, putting out small fires instead of focusing on the big picture.

Many new managers hit their tipping point when they realize that operating in survival mode simply isn't sustainable.

While feeling overwhelmed is common and, yes, even expected at times, it’s not a badge of leadership honor—and it shouldn't be accepted as part of your everyday life. If you're in a constant state of overwhelm, that’s a strong sign that something needs to shift.

The good news? There’s a light at the end of the leadership tunnel. When life as a leader feels chaotic and out of control, coaching can help you gain clarity, shift your focus, and prioritize what matters most.

You Need a Mindset Shift and a Fresh Perspective

Even as a new manager, it’s easy to get stuck in old habits. Maybe it stems from your own experience and pre-conceived ideas of leadership, or maybe it’s influenced by the environment around you—have you ever heard someone say, “That’s the way we’ve always done it?”

Making the shift from thinking like an individual contributor, where you are able to hyper-focused on your own tasks, to being responsible for empowering and growing a team requires a fresh perspective and an intentional mindset shift. No imposter syndrome welcome.

Leadership requires adaptability, a growth mindset, and the ability to see the bigger picture. But when you're caught up in the day-to-day grind, it’s hard to zoom out and gain that clarity on your own.

A leadership coach can be that outside perspective you didn’t realize you needed. They challenge your assumptions, help you reframe obstacles, and introduce fresh ways of thinking about your role and your team. Coaching gives you space to reflect in a way that gets you out of your own head and into a mindset of an effective leader.

So, Where Does Leadership Coaching Come In?

You’ve likely heard me say this many times before—leadership is an ongoing, ever-evolving journey. The best leaders adopt a growth mindset, recognize what they don’t know, and know when it’s time to seek out support.

Whether you're stepping into a leadership role for the first time, facing new challenges, or simply looking to sharpen your skills, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If any of the signs we've covered above hit close to home, it might be time to consider leadership coaching. With the right guidance and tools, you can lead your team with confidence, clarity, and a fresh perspective.

So, what's next for you? If you're ready to take that next step, leadership coaching could be the key. The journey starts with one decision—why not make today the day you choose to invest in yourself?

I would love to chat with you! Click HERE to book a free call, and let's explore how I can support your leadership journey.

Happy Leading!

Emily