Most managers step into leadership because they’re good at the work, not because they were trained to lead people.

Suddenly you’re expected to run 1:1s, give feedback, build confidence, support growth, and still deliver results.

This guide helps you shift from fixing and directing to coaching and developing.

It’s not theory. It’s practical prompts you can use immediately.

Inside, you’ll find simple, behaviour-focused coaching questions organised into clear sections:

• Start with curiosity

• Get to what’s real

• Build ownership and capability

• Build the bridge, connection first

• Look forward, not back

Each section gives you ready-to-use phrases that:

• Slow conversations down

• Surface what’s actually getting in the way

• Build confidence instead of dependence

• Shift responsibility without withdrawing support

• Reduce leadership load over time

This isn’t about asking twenty questions.
One or two, used well, can completely change the tone of a conversation.

When people feel heard, trusted, and capable, performance usually follows.

Who this is for

• New managers finding their footing

• Experienced leaders wanting to coach more and direct less

• Anyone feeling stuck being the fixer or bottleneck.

What you’ll walk away with

• Practical micro skills you can use in your very next 1:1

• Clear prompts that build psychological safety

• A simple way to develop people without carrying everything yourself.

Coaching isn’t about doing more; It’s about showing up differently.

Small shifts. Shared responsibility. Leadership that feels human, not heavy.