What Coaching Is — and What It Isn’t: Unlocking Leadership Potential
Great leaders aren’t born—they’re built. But even the best leaders don’t have all the answers. That’s where coaching comes in. Some people think coaching is about getting advice. Others expect a quick fix. The truth? Coaching helps you uncover the answers already inside you—guiding you to think deeper, reflect honestly and grow in ways you never expected.
What Coaching Is—and What It Isn’t
Coaching isn’t mentorship, consulting or a checklist of best practices. “The distinction between coaching, consulting and mentoring is so important,” shared Kathleen Heckman, Vice President for University Advancement at the University at Buffalo. “Coaching isn't about handing over solutions but about unlocking insights that were already within someone.”
Instead, it’s a structured, transformative process that helps leaders:
Identify blind spots and remove roadblocks
Navigate tough decisions with confidence and clarity
Strengthen leadership skills through self-awareness and accountability
Coaching isn’t about being told what to do—it’s about asking better questions, challenging assumptions and unlocking real, lasting growth.
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that coaching provides direct answers. In reality, coaching is about self-discovery. You know your world best—your challenges, your environment, your unique circumstances. The role of a coach isn’t to hand you a roadmap, but to walk alongside you as you create your own path.
Rachel Schaefer, Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Advancement and Partnerships at the University of Central Florida shared, “The tailored feedback I’ve received, rooted in my unique environment, has inspired me to explore new approaches. This not only fuels my own development but also empowers me to drive my organization forward in meaningful, strategic ways.”
How to Get the Most Out of Coaching
Coaching isn’t a magic wand. You get what you put into it. Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
Embrace Vulnerability – Growth happens outside of comfort zones. The most successful coaching participants lean into challenges instead of avoiding them.
Take Ownership – Coaching isn’t a passive experience. Those who take responsibility for their growth and hold themselves accountable see the biggest breakthroughs. No excuses—only opportunities.
Adopt a Growth Mindset – The best coaching clients don’t see challenges as roadblocks—they see them as stepping stones to something greater.
Many leaders struggle with the idea of being vulnerable in a coaching setting. I get it—it’s not easy to take a critical look at yourself. But that’s exactly where transformation happens. When you lean into self-reflection, coaching helps clear the fog, making tough decisions easier and leadership more natural.
The Right Coaching Fit Matters
The best coaching relationships aren’t just about credentials—they’re about connection. At Bryant Group, our coaches bring a wealth of experience in leadership, strategy and nonprofit advancement, with most of them holding ICF credentials to ensure the highest standards of coaching excellence.
The right coach won’t tell you what to do. Instead, they’ll challenge you, guide you and push you to uncover the answers within yourself. That’s why chemistry calls at the start of the coaching journey matter so much. When there’s trust and alignment, coaching can take you further than you ever thought possible.
“I've been so lucky to work with a couple of coaches that helped me look at something in a different way, brought me out of preconceived notions and assumptions, and gave me the space—and empowered me—to work things out in my own way,” shared Kris Bosman, Chief Alumni Officer at the University of Utah. “A good coach gives you the confidence to realize you had it in you all along.”
The ROI of Executive Coaching
Coaching isn’t just about personal growth—it drives real, measurable results. Research from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Forbes shows that companies investing in executive coaching see:
Increased employee engagement and retention
Stronger, more adaptable leadership
Higher-performing teams and improved workplace culture
Coaching isn’t an expense—it’s an investment that pays off. A well-structured coaching program can transform not just individuals, but entire organizations (ICF Coaching ROI 2024, Forbes Executive Coaching Guide).
Elevating Leadership with Bryant Group
Coaching isn’t just about professional development, it’s about unlocking potential. Whether guiding executives through major transitions, helping leaders build self-awareness, or fostering high-performing teams, our coaching approach is built on expertise, empathy and real-world results.
“The most valuable moments in coaching come from those tough, reflective questions that force one to pause, reframe and take action with renewed clarity,” added Heckman. “[The] feeling of lightness after a coaching session (or renewed optimism)—when the mental fog lifts and the path forward becomes clear—is truly game-changing.”
Coaching has changed the way I see leadership, helped me strengthen relationships and given me the confidence to show up as my most authentic self. It’s an experience I continue to grow from, and one that has been invaluable to so many leaders I’ve worked with.
