Coaching Skills for Managers Programme
Background and Objectives
Since 2016, Impact Factory has been proud to partner with Eurofighter. They have been supporting the development of their leadership teams. In June 2025, we delivered a focused one-day Coaching Skills for Managers training as part of the Coaching Skills for Managers Programme.
It was designed to enhance managerial capabilities in developing individuals and high-performing teams through effective coaching techniques. These coaching skills for managers were aimed at shifting leaders from directive leadership styles to a more empowering coaching approach. This creates improved communication, motivation, and problem-solving within their teams.
Programme Overview
The session combined practical exercises, peer discussions, and reflective activities focusing on real management challenges. A major part of the programme is developing coaching skills that managers need, such as:
- Balancing Ask vs Tell:
- Exploring the benefits of coaching through questioning versus directive ‘telling’. It was demonstrated through an obstacle course simulation to highlight the difference between empowerment and quick fixes.
- Willing and Able Table:
- Assessing team members’ skill and motivation levels to tailor coaching and appropriately stretch high performers.
- Listening Response Styles:
- Examining different listening behaviours, such as active listening, critical feedback, and solution-focused responses. The focus was on timing and effective summarising.
- Powerful Questioning:
- Using varied question types (hypothetical, open, scaling) intentionally to deepen understanding and encourage team reflection.
- The GROW Coaching Model:
- Structuring coaching conversations around Goal, Reality, Options, and Will to enable clear and productive dialogue.
- Transactional Analysis:
- Applying Eric Berne’s model to recognise communication ego states (Parent, Adult, Child). This helps maintain ‘Adult’ rationality for constructive conversations.
- Conversation Practice:
- Role-playing real scenarios to practise maintaining clarity, calm, and positivity. This involves guiding team members with coaching questions, further honing coaching skills for managers.
Desired Outcomes
- Increased confidence among managers in adopting a coaching mindset and approach, showcasing coaching skills for managers.
- Improved listening and questioning skills to foster engagement and empowerment, part of the broader coaching skills for managers initiative.
- Enhanced ability to structure and lead coaching conversations using the GROW framework.
- Greater awareness of communication styles and tools for managing difficult conversations effectively.
- Practical, ongoing resources for managers to continue applying coaching techniques in their teams, enriching their coaching skills.
See What We Can Do For You
If you like what you’ve seen and would like to know more please contact our team.
We truly enjoyed meeting and working with everyone during the Coaching Skills for Managers. Your hard work, openness to dive into the exercises, and willingness to share thoughts and insights made the session highly engaging and rewarding.
We especially appreciated how ready you were to try new approaches and give each other supportive feedback—these qualities really brought the training to life.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment throughout the day.
