Lunch 'n Learn overview

Leaders are often expected to solve problems, provide direction and keep work moving. Yet when a leader continually supplies every answer, team members may become increasingly dependent rather than more capable.

Coaching for High Performance is an engaging Lunch ’n Learn that introduces leaders to a more developmental way of supporting people.

The session explores how purposeful coaching conversations can help team members reflect, think more deeply, build confidence and take greater ownership of their performance.

Rather than immediately advising or directing, leaders learn the value of listening with intention, asking thoughtful questions and creating the conditions in which others can discover meaningful ways forward.

Session Objective

The objective of this Lunch ’n Learn is to introduce participants to coaching as a practical leadership and performance-development skill.

Participants will be encouraged to:

• understand what workplace coaching is—and what it is not;
• recognise when to coach, manage, mentor or refer for other support;
• move beyond immediately supplying answers;
• listen for both what is said and what may remain unspoken;
• create conversations that encourage reflection and insight;
• help others develop confidence and problem-solving ability;
• strengthen trust through genuine attention and understanding; and
• identify one coaching behaviour to begin applying in everyday leadership.

Session Outline

Coaching as a Leadership Skill

Participants explore why helping people grow is a central leadership responsibility—and how coaching can strengthen both relationships and performance.

Coaching, Managing and Mentoring

The session clarifies the important distinctions between directing work, sharing experience and helping another person think through their own way forward.

Unlocking Reflection and Ownership

Participants consider how coaching supports self-awareness, resilience and personal responsibility rather than creating dependence on the leader.

Listening beyond the Words

Attention is given to active, mindful and empathetic listening—including noticing tone, energy, hesitation and what may not yet have been expressed.

From Answers to Better Questions

Participants are introduced to the value of approaching conversations with curiosity and using questions to encourage clarity, insight and action.

Building Trust through Conversation

The session considers how attention, authenticity and a genuine belief in another person’s potential can create greater openness and engagement.

Taking the Next Coaching Step

Participants identify one workplace conversation in which they could listen more intentionally, ask rather than tell, or create greater ownership.

The Lunch ’n Learn Experience

This concise and interactive session may include:

• facilitated leadership and coaching insights;
• relatable workplace scenarios;
• guided personal reflection;
• a listening self-assessment;
• a practical listening activity;
• group conversation; and
• a focused coaching commitment.

Who Should Attend?

This session is suitable for:

• leaders and managers;
• supervisors and team leaders;
• emerging leaders;
• business owners and partners;
• human resources and people-development professionals;
• project leaders;
• professionals responsible for developing others; and
• anyone who wants to conduct more effective workplace conversations.

What Participants Will Take Away

Participants will leave with:

• a clearer understanding of workplace coaching;
• insight into the differences between coaching, managing and mentoring;
• greater awareness of their current listening habits;
• practical ideas for helping others think more independently;
• an appreciation of coaching as a tool for trust and performance;
• increased awareness of when a different form of support may be required; and
• one practical coaching behaviour to begin applying.

Better Leaders Do Not Always Give Better Answers

Sometimes the most valuable contribution a leader can make is to create the conversation in which another person discovers greater clarity, confidence and ownership.

Listen with intention. Ask with curiosity. Coach people towards their potential.

Got any questions? You are welcome to contact Lynette Berger at [email protected]