Use Performance Reviews to Develop as a Leadership Coach

Tina-Schuricht • April 23, 2024

Share this article

Use performance reviews to develop as a leadership coach by creating an intentional dialogue that encourages change and growth.

The Value of Performance Reviews

Performance reviews provide a structured approach to understanding an individual’s strengths, areas for improvement, and growth potential. In the context of leadership coaching, performance reviews serve as a mirror, reflecting the leader’s current abilities and areas that require attention.

In my opinion, performance reviews are one of the most overlooked and underrated opportunities to act as a leadership coach.  By definition, performance reviews create an intentional dialogue that assesses the current state and encourages change and growth.  It has continued to surprise me that some leaders never conduct performance reviews and even more don’t put the time and effort in to make them effective coaching engagements.

What holds us back from acting as a Leadership Coach?

So why don’t some leaders take the time to act as a leadership coach and execute performance reviews? Because it’s hard.  It takes time and thought.  It takes the discipline of being clear about the goals and the flexibility to adjust with changes in scope and context.  And it takes the courage to be honest about how team members are doing both in writing and verbally.  In short, it takes emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and energy…all of which seem to be in short supply these days.

Improve your skills as a Leadership Coach

As a leadership coach, how can you make the performance review process easier and more fulfilling for both you and the team member?  Here are a few ideas:

Ensure team members have clear goals

Heck, ask your team members to take the lead on setting their goals!  What an amazing sense of accountability and ownership they could have for their performance.

Don’t wait to document or talk about performance until the annual performance review

U se goals in your 1:1s, or at a minimum conduct a mid-year check-in.  It is hard to remember all of the amazing things that have happened for a whole year. Stay on top of achievements and course corrections and you’re bound to have a more accurate assessment of performance at the end of the year.

Gather input from your team members in the form of a self-review

Have your team members assess themselves against their goals.  Which goals went well and what could have gone better?  What did you learn?  How are you using that learning? I think you’ll find this to be a time saver as most of what team members document should be usable in their review (if they are relatively self-aware).  It can also give you an indication of how far apart you are on performance assessments to help you prepare for the conversation.

Collect feedback from peers, other leaders, and team members and take it seriously

If you take the time to collect feedback, use it to share real examples of where the team members crushed it and where they didn’t.  And share the feedback (anonymously, if promised) with your team members.

Set aside time to document performance

Document each goal, how the team member assessed themselves against the goal, and how you as their leadership coach assessed them so that you can see where you have alignment and where you don’t.  Document where both the achievements and gaps are based on all of the inputs.  Send the document to the team member in advance of the meeting (at least 24 hours).

Get in the mindset of a Leadership Coach during the conversation

Use the document as a backdrop for the conversation.  Ask the team member to take the lead.  What are you most proud of this period?  What surprised you?  Where would you like to focus? Where would you like to go next? Ask lots of questions.  Give the team member a sense of ownership for their performance and their future.  This approach can build trust, increase transparency, and promote a culture of continuous learning.

Conclusion

Performance reviews are a critical component of leadership coaching. They provide a structured approach to assessing performance, fostering open communication, and informing the future direction. Ensure you have clear goals, make it a habit to assess performance all year (not just once a year), gather input from the team member and their stakeholders and use it in your assessment, take the time to prepare, and be in the mindset of a leadership coach during the conversation. By integrating performance reviews into leadership coaching, organizations can develop effective leaders who are equipped to meet their objectives and lead their teams to success.

Do you want to learn more about leadership coaching and how to use the performance review process to improve as a leadership coach? Reach out!  I’d love to connect.

Recent Posts

The Thinker statue silhouetted against a clear blue sky
By Tina Schuricht June 26, 2026
A mid-year reflection isn’t just about productivity—it’s about intentional living and working, giving you a renewed sense of clarity, motivation, and purpose.
Podcast promo for Dan Neissany, with purple waveforms and a Success logo on a beige background
By Tina Schuricht June 24, 2026
This episode is for anyone who has struggled with accountability, questioned success, or realized that growth starts with taking a hard look in the mirror.
People chatting and shaking hands in a bright indoor networking event.
By Tina Schuricht June 19, 2026
By approaching networking with intention, authenticity, and a willingness to listen, you’ll make genuine connections that last long after the summer sun sets.
Hands tying the laces of a blue running shoe on a concrete surface
By Tina Schuricht June 12, 2026
Change is inevitable in summer, but with intention and creativity, you can harness this energy to establish habits that will serve you long after the season ends.
Arnie Sair speaker promo with headshot, purple waveform, and Success logo on a cream background
By Tina Schuricht June 6, 2026
No matter where you are, this episode offers actionable insights, personal stories and practical lessons to help you define and achieve success—your own way.
Beach chair, red cooler, and straw hat on sunlit sand.
By Tina Schuricht June 5, 2026
By balancing relaxation and growth, you can make the most of your summer vacation—returning to your work and life with renewed energy, creativity, and momentum.
Presenter speaking to a seated group in a bright meeting room with a whiteboard and charts.
By Tina Schuricht June 4, 2026
In today’s fast-paced professional world, strong leadership is more important than ever. Whether you're managing a team, leading a department, or preparing for greater responsibilities, the ability to inspire, communicate, and make confident decisions can significantly impact your success. This is where a leadership coach can make a meaningful difference. What Is a Leadership Coach? A leadership coach is a trained professional who helps individuals develop the skills, mindset, and strategies needed to become more effective leaders. Through personalized guidance, feedback, and goal-setting, a leadership coach supports clients in overcoming challenges, maximizing their strengths, and achieving professional growth. Unlike consultants who provide direct solutions, leadership coaches help clients discover their own answers, develop self-awareness, and create sustainable improvements in their leadership approach. How Does Leadership Coaching Work? Leadership coaching is a collaborative process designed to help professionals identify opportunities for growth and create actionable plans for success. Coaching sessions often focus on areas such as: Communication and interpersonal skills Decision-making and problem-solving Team leadership and employee engagement Conflict resolution Strategic thinking Emotional intelligence Confidence and executive presence Career advancement and professional development Each coaching relationship is tailored to the individual's unique goals, challenges, and leadership responsibilities. The Role of a Leadership Development Coach A leadership development coach focuses specifically on helping professionals build the skills necessary for long-term leadership success. Whether someone is a new manager, an experienced executive, or an emerging leader, a leadership development coach provides the support needed to strengthen leadership capabilities and prepare for future opportunities. By identifying blind spots, enhancing strengths, and encouraging accountability, leadership development coaching helps professionals become more effective in their roles while building the confidence needed to lead others successfully. Leadership Coaching Benefits There are many leadership coaching benefits for professionals seeking personal and professional growth. Some of the most valuable benefits include: Improved Self-Awareness Great leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, communication styles, and behavioral patterns. Leadership coaching helps individuals gain deeper insight into how they impact others and where they can improve. Stronger Communication Skills Effective communication is essential for successful leadership. Coaching helps professionals learn how to communicate clearly, provide constructive feedback, and build stronger relationships with colleagues and team members. Increased Confidence Many professionals experience self-doubt when taking on new responsibilities or leadership roles. Leadership coaching helps build confidence by providing support, guidance, and practical strategies for handling challenges. Better Decision-Making Leaders are often required to make difficult decisions under pressure. Coaching helps individuals develop critical thinking skills and confidence in their decision-making abilities. Greater Team Performance Strong leadership directly impacts team engagement, productivity, and morale. By improving leadership skills, professionals can create more positive and productive work environments. Leadership Coaching for Professionals Leadership coaching for professionals is valuable at every stage of a career. While executives and senior leaders often work with coaches, coaching can also benefit: Emerging leaders New managers Team supervisors Department directors Business owners High-potential employees Professionals preparing for promotion Regardless of title or industry, leadership coaching helps professionals navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals more effectively. When Should You Consider Leadership Coaching? You may benefit from leadership coaching if you: Feel stuck in your professional growth Have recently been promoted into a leadership role Want to improve team performance Struggle with difficult conversations or conflict management Need greater confidence in decision-making Want to enhance your executive presence Are preparing for increased leadership responsibilities Seeking coaching is not a sign of weakness. In fact, many of the most successful leaders actively invest in coaching because they recognize the value of continuous improvement. Final Thoughts Leadership is not simply a position—it is a skill that can be developed over time. Working with a leadership coach provides professionals with the tools, perspective, and accountability needed to grow into more effective and confident leaders. Whether you're seeking guidance from a leadership development coach, exploring the many leadership coaching benefits, or looking for leadership coaching for professionals to support your career growth, coaching can be a powerful investment in your future success. The most effective leaders never stop learning, growing, and refining their approach. Leadership coaching provides the support needed to make that growth possible.
Business meeting with two people discussing documents across a table in a bright office
By Tina Schuricht June 4, 2026
As professionals advance in their careers, they often face increasingly complex challenges. Leading teams, making strategic decisions, managing organizational change, and balancing competing priorities require a unique set of skills that are not always learned through experience alone. This is why many successful leaders turn to executive coaching. But is executive coaching worth the investment? For many professionals, the answer is a resounding yes. Executive coaching provides personalized guidance, accountability, and support that can accelerate both personal and professional growth. What Is Executive Coaching? Executive coaching is a professional development process designed to help leaders improve their effectiveness, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and achieve their career goals. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, individuals work with an executive coach to identify challenges, develop new skills, and create actionable strategies for success. Unlike traditional training programs, executive coaching is tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual, making it one of the most effective forms of professional development available today. What Does an Executive Coach Do? An executive coach acts as a trusted partner who helps leaders gain clarity, improve performance, and navigate workplace challenges. Coaching sessions may focus on: Leadership development Communication skills Strategic thinking Team management Decision-making Emotional intelligence Executive presence Career advancement Work-life balance Rather than providing direct answers, an executive coach helps clients develop self-awareness, uncover solutions, and build confidence in their leadership abilities. The Benefits of Executive Coaching One of the primary reasons professionals invest in executive coaching is the wide range of benefits it can provide. Improved Leadership Skills Strong leadership is essential for organizational success. Executive coaching helps professionals become more effective leaders by strengthening communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills. Increased Self-Awareness Many leaders have blind spots that can impact their effectiveness. Coaching helps individuals identify behaviors, habits, and thought patterns that may be limiting their success. Better Decision-Making Leaders often face difficult decisions that affect teams, projects, and organizations. Executive coaching encourages critical thinking and helps professionals approach challenges with greater confidence and clarity. Enhanced Confidence Whether preparing for a promotion, leading a major initiative, or transitioning into a new role, coaching can help professionals develop the confidence needed to succeed. Accelerated Career Growth Many executives and managers find that coaching helps them achieve their career goals faster by providing structure, accountability, and focused development. Executive Coaching for Managers While executive coaching is often associated with senior leaders, executive coaching for managers can be equally valuable. Managers are responsible for guiding teams, resolving conflicts, motivating employees, and achieving organizational objectives. These responsibilities can be challenging, especially for professionals who are new to leadership positions. Executive coaching for managers helps individuals: Build stronger leadership skills Improve communication with team members Increase employee engagement Develop conflict resolution strategies Enhance productivity and performance Prepare for future leadership opportunities By investing in coaching early, managers can establish a strong leadership foundation that supports long-term success. Understanding Executive Coaching Services There are many types of executive coaching services available today. Some coaches specialize in leadership development, while others focus on career transitions, team performance, or executive presence. Professional executive coaching services often include: Personalized coaching sessions Leadership assessments Goal-setting and action planning Performance improvement strategies Accountability and progress tracking Communication and leadership development The most effective coaching relationships are customized to address the unique needs of each client. How Does Executive Coaching Compare to Other Professional Development Options? Many organizations invest in workshops, seminars, and online training programs. While these resources can provide valuable information, they often lack personalization. A professional development coach works directly with the individual, focusing on specific goals, challenges, and opportunities. This personalized approach allows professionals to apply new skills immediately and achieve measurable results more efficiently. Unlike one-size-fits-all training programs, executive coaching adapts to the client's evolving needs and circumstances. Who Can Benefit from Executive Coaching? Executive coaching can benefit professionals at many stages of their careers, including: Executives and senior leaders Business owners and entrepreneurs Directors and department heads Managers and supervisors High-potential employees Professionals preparing for promotion Anyone seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and improve workplace performance can benefit from coaching. Is Executive Coaching Worth the Investment? When evaluating the value of executive coaching, it's important to consider both the immediate and long-term benefits. Improved leadership skills, stronger communication, increased confidence, and accelerated career growth can have a lasting impact on professional success. Many professionals find that the insights and strategies gained through coaching continue to benefit them long after the coaching engagement has ended. Final Thoughts Executive coaching is more than a professional development tool—it is an investment in leadership growth, career advancement, and long-term success. Whether you're an experienced executive, an emerging leader, or a manager seeking to improve your effectiveness, working with an executive coach can provide the guidance and support needed to reach your full potential. The right executive coaching services can help you develop stronger leadership skills, navigate challenges with confidence, and achieve meaningful professional growth. For many leaders, executive coaching is not only worth it—it is one of the most valuable investments they can make in their future.
A golfer prepares to hit a ball resting on a red tee, with sunlight glowing in the background on a green golf course.
By Tina Schuricht May 29, 2026
In both golf and weight loss, the journey is as important as the destination. Embrace the process, stay consistent, and enjoy the small victories along the way.
Nisha Kunder podcast promo with portrait, purple audio waveform, and Success Your Own Way logo
By Tina Schuricht May 27, 2026
Whether you're deep in corporate life, building something new, or quietly questioning what success actually means for you, Nisha's story will meet you where you are.
Show More