What Leadership Coaching Actually Is (And What it Isn't)

Leadership coaching is — rightly — becoming something we hear about more and more. Business owners are talking about it. Teams are starting to invest in it. In many cases, managers are asking for it.

But there’s still a common question:

What actually is leadership coaching? And how does it work in practice?

Let's get into it

At its core, leadership coaching is about creating the space and structure for leaders to think better, lead more intentionally, and develop the confidence and capability to handle the real challenges that come with managing people and their business. And in 2026, that capability matters more than ever.

Leadership coaching isn’t about being told what to do. It’s not a checklist, and it’s definitely not someone stepping in to solve your problems for you - its a collaborative approach to build the leader’s ability to problem-solve, reflect, and make confident decisions themselves.

It’s a structured conversation process that helps leaders step back from the day-to-day noise and think clearly about how they’re leading — and why.

If you follow our socials, you will have seen our recent post about how leadership can feel lonely - and it's true. At the top, there often isn’t someone reviewing your decisions or checking in on how you’re approaching things. That limits the opportunity to reflect or even just talk things through. Leaders can feel pressure to appear certain, composed, and decisive at all times.

When you’re the one others look to for direction, admitting uncertainty can feel uncomfortable. Conversations get delayed. Decisions are made quickly to keep momentum. Reflection is pushed aside because there simply isn’t time.

Leadership coaching creates a space where leaders don’t have to perform.

It’s a confidential, structured environment where they can say, “I’m not sure,” without judgement. Where they can unpack a difficult conversation before having it. Where they can explore the impact of their behaviour and leadership style constructively.

What Leadership Coaching Isn't

Whilst discussing what leadership coaching is, it’s equally important to be clear about what it isn’t.

Leadership coaching isn’t therapy. Whilst it can explore mindset, decision-making processes and behavioural patterns — many of which naturally influence personal life — leadership coaching is focused on professional development, performance and leadership growth.

At Holla HR, we’re strong advocates for mental health. If someone is struggling personally, we always encourage them to seek support from the appropriate qualified professionals. Coaching does not replace that support — it serves a different purpose.

Coaching is also not a one-off training course where you can sit back and listen to theory or PowerPoint slides.

It requires engagement, reflection, proactivity and a willingness to be open to challenge. Real development happens when leaders actively participate — thinking differently, trying new approaches and being honest about what is and isn’t working.

So, How Does it Work?

Leadership coaching usually takes place over a series of sessions — not just a single conversation. Development takes time, and meaningful change comes from consistency.

The process typically begins by establishing a clear focus. This might include building confidence, developing a leadership style, strengthening performance conversations, or talking through key decisions before they’re made. Coaching isn’t generic — it’s tailored to the real, live challenges the leader is facing.

Each session then explores what’s really happening. A coach won’t hand over answers. Instead, they ask purposeful questions, encourage reflection and help identify patterns or blind spots. The conversations are practical rather than hypothetical. Leaders often bring real scenarios and leave with clarity on how they want to approach them.

Between sessions, leaders apply what they’ve explored. Coaching isn’t reflection for reflection’s sake — it leads to action.

The long-term goal is that leaders begin to coach themselves. Over time, their thinking evolves. They build sustainable leadership capability and approach challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

Who is Leadership Coaching For?

Leadership coaching isn’t only for struggling or inexperienced managers.

First-time managers can benefit hugely from starting strong. But coaching is equally valuable for experienced leaders stepping into more senior or different roles, navigating change, or preparing for progression.

Maybe you’re bidding for a promotion and want to approach it with the right mindset. Maybe your organisation is growing and the expectations on you have shifted.

In reality, leadership coaching isn’t about seniority. It’s about responsibility and influence.

If your decisions impact others, coaching can strengthen how you show up. No one gets it right every time — regardless of experience or knowledge.

How Holla HR Can Help

At Holla HR, leadership coaching is practical, grounded and tailored to your organisation.

Our business model is built on providing a bespoke, personalised service — and that applies just as much to our coaching as it does to our wider HR support.

Our coaching journey starts by understanding the individual, the challenges they face, the team they’re leading, and the wider business context.

Sessions are structured but flexible, creating space for reflection while remaining focused on real workplace situations and tangible outcomes.

If you’re planning for growth in 2026 and want to strengthen leadership capability within your organisation, we’re here to help.