Lead With Coaching

SOPs keep businesses compliant.
Coaching makes them thrive.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve seen this truth across industries and leadership roles. In hospitality, SOPs were the bible for quality, consistency and integrity. Later, during my time in the oil and gas industry, I learned from leaders who used coaching skills to manage their teams. Back then, “coaching” was not even a formal term the way it is today. It was about behavioural change, leaders who listened, gave feedback, and empowered people to grow. Watching them role model those behaviors shaped my own leadership style. 

Unconsciously, I applied this coaching approach while managing a global team across five geographies. Coaching became the glue that held us together. Regular one‑to‑ones, monthly team connects, and empowering local decision‑making built trust and speed. In more recent years, I have applied the same style with intact local teams. Regular catch‑ups, open conversations, and feedback loops created connection and strengthened performance. 

Culture drives performance. Coaching culture multiplies it. SOPs provide the structure for compliance, while coaching provides the framework for growth. The strongest organizations know it takes both.