Coaching Skills for Managers

Effective manager-coaches develop a core set of skills that distinguish coaching from traditional directive management. The most critical skills include active listening—giving full attention without judgment so employees feel heard and valued—and powerful questioning that encourages self-reflection and problem-solving. Managers also need to master feedback delivery, providing specific, behavioral, and forward-looking observations rather than vague or personal criticism. Building trust through consistency, transparency, and following through on commitments creates the psychological safety employees need to grow. Setting clear expectations and co-creating development goals with employees strengthens commitment and accountability. Finally, applying a structured coaching model—such as the 5-Step Coaching Model taught in Aurora Training Advantage's Coaching Skills for Managers webinar—ensures consistency and measurable outcomes. Presenter Wendy Sellers, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, brings 25 years of HR and leadership development experience to this practical 60-minute session designed to help managers lead with confidence and create high-performing, engaged teams.

The 5-Step Coaching Model is a structured framework that gives managers a consistent, repeatable process for coaching employees toward improved performance and development. While specific models vary, a standard 5-step approach typically involves: (1) establishing clear goals or desired outcomes for the coaching conversation, (2) exploring the current situation by asking open-ended questions to understand the employee's perspective, (3) identifying options and generating possible solutions collaboratively rather than prescriptively, (4) creating an action plan with specific commitments, timelines, and accountability measures, and (5) following up to review progress, acknowledge growth, and adjust the plan as needed. This model shifts the manager from a directive role to a supportive guide who empowers employees to take ownership of their development. Aurora Training Advantage's Coaching Skills for Managers webinar, presented by Wendy Sellers, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, walks managers through this model with practical guidance for applying it in real workplace scenarios to drive engagement and measurable results.

Research consistently shows that employees who receive regular coaching from their managers report higher levels of engagement, commitment, and job satisfaction. Coaching improves engagement because it signals that the organization is invested in the employee's growth and success—not just their task output. When managers ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and co-create development goals, employees feel respected and valued as individuals rather than interchangeable resources. Coaching also builds psychological safety, making employees more willing to take initiative, voice ideas, and admit mistakes without fear of retribution. Over time, consistent coaching conversations create a culture of trust and accountability that supports both individual performance and team cohesion. Managers who master coaching skills are better equipped to connect each team member's daily work to broader organizational goals—a key driver of intrinsic motivation. Aurora Training Advantage's Coaching Skills for Managers webinar, led by Wendy Sellers, provides actionable strategies for building this connection.

Managing and coaching serve different but complementary purposes in leadership. Traditional management focuses on directing, assigning tasks, setting expectations, monitoring progress, and correcting errors—it is primarily transactional and output-focused. Coaching, by contrast, is a developmental conversation aimed at helping employees discover their own solutions, build capability, and grow professionally over time. A manager tells; a coach asks. Managers often provide answers; coaches ask questions that help employees find their own answers, which builds lasting competence and confidence. Effective managers recognize when each approach is appropriate—urgent operational situations may require direct instruction, while development conversations benefit from a coaching approach. The transition from managing to coaching is challenging for many supervisors because it requires relinquishing control and trusting the process. Aurora Training Advantage's Coaching Skills for Managers webinar, presented by Wendy Sellers, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, helps managers develop the judgment to know when to manage and when to coach, and how to do both effectively.

Aurora Training Advantage's Coaching Skills for Managers webinar offers 1.0 HRCI credit hour, 1.0 SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC), 1.0 ATAHR credit, 1.0 ATAOP credit, and 1.0 ATAAA credit for completing the 60-minute on-demand session. HRCI credits count toward PHR, SPHR, aPHR, and related HR certification maintenance requirements. SHRM PDCs apply toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification. For HR professionals, operations managers, and administrative leaders seeking continuing education in leadership development and people management, this webinar covers a practical curriculum on employee commitment, engagement, the 5-Step Coaching Model, and building a culture of accountability. The session is presented by Wendy Sellers, MHR, MHA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, whose 25 years of HR and leadership development experience across diverse industries makes this an especially practical and credible continuing education resource for managers at all levels.