You know that feeling when you’re… just not at full power? When you know you’re capable of more, but something’s holding you back. I’ve been there, we’ve all been there.
And I see it all the time. Talented people and professionals who’ve hit a wall. They’re smart and work hard. So what do you need to thrive?
That’s exactly where performance coaching comes in.
What is performance coaching? It’s about unleashing the best of what’s inside you. Being in close contact with your full power, and being able to use that energy for the great things you are building.
Performance coaching is also the process of partnering with someone to identify your strengths, beat barriers, and achieve results you didn’t think were possible before.
According to the International Coach Federation, professionals who engage in coaching for performance show 70% improvement in work performance and 61% improvement in business management.
That’s a big boost which helps both your daily life and your career.
Why Most People Get Performance Coaching Wrong
Here’s what most people think when they ask “what is performance coaching”… a manager telling you what you’re doing wrong and how to fix it.
Nope.
Real performance coaching is completely different. It’s about asking the right questions, not giving all the answers. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that effective coaching for performance focuses on unlocking potential rather than fixing problems.
I’ve been working with ambitious professionals for years, and the ones who experience the biggest breakthroughs are those who work with performance coaches who understand this distinction.
A performance coach doesn’t treat you like a problem to be solved. I work with you as a complete person, with everything you need close at hand.
At elevanation, this is exactly how I’ve designed our strategic career coaching programmes. We start with what’s already working for you, then build from there.
What Do Performance Coaches Actually Do?
Good question. Because if you’ve never worked with one, it might seem a bit mysterious.
When people ask me “what do performance coaches do,” I tell them it’s about partnership, not instruction. Here’s what actually happens when you work with a performance coach:
They Listen. Really Listen. Most people in your life are waiting for their turn to talk. A performance coach listens to understand. They hear what you’re saying and what you’re not saying. They pick up on patterns you might not even notice.
They Ask Questions That Make You Think. Ever had someone ask you a question that stopped you in your tracks? That’s what performance coaches do. They ask the questions that help you see your situation from a completely different angle.
Research published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology demonstrates that effective questioning techniques are the cornerstone of successful coaching for performance.
They Help You Set Goals That Actually Matter. Not just any goals. Goals that align with who you are and where you want to go. Goals that excite you instead of feeling like another item on your to-do list.
Performance coaches help you get out of your own way. They help you see possibilities you couldn’t see before.
This is why our high-performance coaching programmes at elevanation focus on goal alignment first, action planning second.
The Three Types of People Who Need Performance Coaching
In my experience, there are three types of people who benefit most from performance coaching:
The High Achiever Who’s Hit a Plateau
You’ve been successful. You’ve climbed the ladder. But now you feel stuck. You’re capable of more, but you’re not sure how to get there.
The Talented Person Who Lacks Confidence
You have the skills, but you doubt yourself. You second-guess your decisions. You hold back when you should step forward.
The Overwhelmed Professional Who’s Lost Direction
You’re busy all the time, but you’re not sure if you’re busy with the right things. You feel like you’re spinning your wheels.
Maybe relevant for you right now?
Through my mindset mentoring program at elevanation, I’ve seen people in all three categories transform their careers and their lives. This is exactly what performance coaches do: they help you move forward with maximum focus and strength.
The Science Behind Why Performance Coaching Works
You might be wondering: does this stuff really work, or is it just feel-good nonsense?
Fair question. Let me share what the research tells us about what is performance coaching and its effectiveness.
Studies from Coaching Psychology research show that people who work with performance coaches see significant improvements in their work performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. That means measurable results, not just warm fuzzy feelings.
And what I find more interesting than the statistics: the stories.
Like Sarah, who was passed over for promotion three times before working with a performance coach. Six months later, she not only got promoted, she was leading the team she used to be part of.
Or David, who felt burned out and was ready to quit his job. Through coaching for performance, he discovered that the problem wasn’t his job, it was how he was approaching it. He’s now one of the most engaged people on his team.
The research backs up what I see every day: performance coaching works because it helps people tap into capabilities they already have.
Many of our clients at elevanation have similar stories, which is why we’ve developed our burnout coach programmes specifically for overwhelmed professionals.
The GROW Model: A Simple Framework That Changes Everything
One of the most powerful tools in performance coaching is something called the GROW model. It was developed by Sir John Whitmore and documented by Performance Consultants, and it’s been helping people achieve their goals for decades.
GROW stands for:
G – Goal: What do you want to achieve?
R – Reality: Where are you now?
O – Options: What could you do?
W – Will: What will you do?
Sounds simple, right? It is. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
Most people skip straight to the “what should I do” part without taking time to get clear on what they actually want or where they currently stand. This is why when clients ask “what do performance coaches do,” I explain that we use proven frameworks like GROW to create structure and clarity.
I use variations of this framework in many coaching conversations because it works. It helps people move from confusion to clarity.
Common Performance Coaching Myths (And Why They’re Wrong)
Let me clear up some misconceptions about what is performance coaching:
Myth 1: Performance coaching is only for people who are struggling
Wrong. Some of the most successful people in the world work with performance coaches. According to Forbes research on executive coaching, it’s not about fixing problems; it’s about optimising performance.
Myth 2: Performance coaching is therapy
Nope. Therapy focuses on healing past wounds. Coaching for performance focuses on creating future results. Both are valuable, but they’re different.
Myth 3: Performance coaching is expensive
Compared to what? The cost of staying stuck? The cost of missed opportunities? Performance coaching pays for itself quickly through better results and increased satisfaction.
Myth 4: You don’t need a performance coach if you’re smart
Intelligence has nothing to do with it. Even Olympic athletes have coaches. It’s not about being smart enough; it’s about having someone help you see what you can’t see from inside your own situation.
This is why at elevanation, we offer crisis coaching for professionals who need immediate support, regardless of their experience level.
How to Choose a Performance Coach
Not all performance coaches are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Experience That Matters
Look for someone who’s worked with people in situations similar to yours. If you’re an executive, find someone who understands executive challenges. If you’re an entrepreneur, find someone who gets the entrepreneurial mindset.
A Proven Approach
They should be able to explain their coaching methodology. How do they structure sessions? What tools do they use? When you ask “what do performance coaches do” in their practice, they should have clear answers.
Chemistry
This is huge. You need to feel comfortable being honest with your coach. If the chemistry isn’t right, the coaching won’t be effective.
Focus on Results
A good performance coach will talk about outcomes, not just process. They should be interested in the results you want to achieve, not just having interesting conversations.
At elevanation, we focus on all of these elements through our comprehensive coaching programmes because we know that’s what creates lasting change.
What to Expect from Performance Coaching
If you’re considering working with a performance coach, here’s what the process typically looks like:
Initial Assessment
Your coach will want to understand your current situation, your goals, and what might be holding you back.
Goal Setting
Together, you’ll define specific, measurable goals that align with what you really want to achieve. This is a key part of what is performance coaching, ensuring goals are authentic to you, not what you think you should want.
Action Planning
Your coach will help you create a plan for achieving your goals. This isn’t just a to-do list; it’s a strategic approach that takes into account your strengths, your constraints, and your preferred working style.
Regular Check-ins
Most coaching for performance relationships involve regular sessions (weekly or bi-weekly) where you review progress, work through challenges, and adjust your approach as needed.
Accountability and Support
Your coach will help you stay on track and work through the inevitable obstacles that come up along the way. Me or your coach will check-in with you as much as you need to get things moving fast.
The Real ROI of Performance Coaching
Let’s talk about results.
People who work with performance coaches typically see:
- Improved job performance and productivity
- Better relationships with colleagues and team members
- Increased confidence in their abilities
- Clearer direction and sense of purpose
- Better work-life balance
- Higher job satisfaction
Also where you’ll see unexpected benefits are the ripple effects.
When you start performing better, it affects everything. This is the real answer to “what is performance coaching”. It’s about holistic improvement that touches every area of your life.
Your stress levels go down. Your relationships improve. You sleep better. You have more energy for the things that matter to you. You feel more alive.
Performance coaching isn’t just about getting better at work. It’s about creating a life that works wonders.
Performance Coaching vs Other Development Approaches
How does performance coaching compare to other ways of developing your skills and advancing your career?
Training Programmes
Training teaches you new skills. Performance coaching helps you apply those skills more effectively.
Therapy
Therapy focuses on understanding and healing the past. Coaching for performance focuses on creating the future you want.
Mentoring
Mentoring is usually about someone sharing their experience and knowledge. Performance coaching is about helping you discover your own answers.
Consulting
Consultants give you expert advice. Performance coaches help you develop your own expertise.
All of these approaches have value, but performance coaching is unique in its focus on helping you unlock your own potential. This is why we integrate multiple approaches at elevanation through our effective leadership communication skills programmes.
Getting Started with Performance Coaching
Ready to explore what performance coaching could do for you?
Here’s how to get started:
Get Clear on The Kickoff
Before you start looking for a coach, spend a moment thinking about what you want to achieve. What would success look like?
Have a Conversation
Most good performance coaches will offer a brief conversation to see if you’re a good fit for each other. Use this time to ask questions and get a sense of their approach.
We sometimes offer a free strategy call at elevanation. You can book your strategy call right here.
Commit to the Process
Coaching for performance works when you put in a little work. Even just 5 minutes a day on the right thing is great; you coach will help here at every step.
Track Your Progress
Keep track of what’s changing as you work with your coach. This will help you see the value you’re getting and stay motivated.
The Future of Performance Coaching
Performance coaching isn’t going anywhere. In fact it’s becoming more important. All the top athletes and business people have one or more coaches and mentors.
Why? Because the world of work is changing faster than ever. The skills that got you where you are might not be the skills that will take you where you want to go.
What is performance coaching matters more than ever. It helps you adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing environment.
And it’s about becoming more of who you already are.
Your Next Step
Here’s what I know after years of working with successful pros: everyone has untapped potential. Everyone.
The question isn’t whether you cab do more or do better. I know you can.
Other successful people don’t wait for things to happen on their own. They take action. And your exceptional future is right here.
