Coaching Skills for Managers2025-12-16T16:45:32+11:00
Executive Coach Fiona Spence with microphone

High Performance Coaching Skills for Managers & Leaders
The Deep Performance Coaching Method

Equip your managers with practical coaching skills to guide staff through fear, self‑doubt and overwhelm, so everyone can fulfil their potential and perform at their best.

What’s really holding your people back (and why coaching skills for managers matter)

Your organisation probably doesn’t have a “performance problem”.
It has an unseen barriers problem: fear, imposter syndrome, perfectionism and overwhelm that silently cap your best people’s impact.​

A 2025 study on impostor syndrome in organisations links these feelings with lower job satisfaction, higher burnout and stalled career development, making it a significant organisational risk rather than a personal quirk. Further research shows imposter syndrome alone can cost up to 10 full days of lost productivity per employee per year, and leads many high‑potential staff to avoid promotions or new challenges.

Most managers were never trained to coach in the messy, emotional territory where real performance is decided, which is why effective coaching skills for managers and leaders are now critical to lifting performance and protecting wellbeing.

When “good management” isn’t enough: How mentoring and coaching skills for leaders close the gap

Your managers are doing the right things: goals set, KPIs tracked, reviews done.
Yet performance still plateaus, high‑potentials hesitate, and tough conversations skim the surface.​

You’ll recognise it when:

• Smart people play small, hide in their comfort zone and avoid stretch opportunities.

• Stress, overthinking and self doubt derail otherwise capable staff.

• You keep “fixing skills” but behaviour doesn’t really change.

This is why coaching skills for leaders and managers matter. Studies on managerial coaching show that when managers learn to coach effectively, performance gains can jump by 20 to 40% beyond training alone. When they don’t, internal barriers like fear and self‑doubt quietly erode productivity, engagement and retention.​

Deep Performance Coaching closes this gap by equipping your managers and leaders with mentoring and coaching skills to address these root causes directly, thereby delivering those 20-40% performance gains for your organisation.

Where standard management coaching courses fall short

Most coaching skills for managers programs teach models and conversation skills, but skip the emotional terrain that actually drives performance.

They don’t show managers how to safely work with fear, imposter syndrome, perfectionism and overwhelm. So internal barriers keep capping your best people’s impact.

This is why your managers need to learn Deep Performance Coaching. An approach that equips them to coach beneath the surface, where confidence, focus and real performance are decided.

What Deep Performance Coaching Training for managers and leaders does differently

Deep Performance Coaching for Managers & Leaders equips your managers to coach at depth, not just manage tasks, by blending mentoring and coaching skills they can use in real conversations.

In practical, skills-based sessions, managers learn how to:

  • Coach staff through self‑doubt, fear of failure and visibility.
  • Work productively with perfectionism, overthinking and procrastination.
  • Help people stay focused and resourceful under pressure and change.
  • Create psychological safety and stretch at the same time, so people speak up and take smart risks.

The impact you can expect from Deep Performance Coaching

When managers coach use a Deep Performance Coaching approach, performance and culture shift in measurable ways. Studies on managerial coaching link effective coaching skills with higher team performance, engagement and intent to stay.​

You’ll typically see:
• Greater ownership, initiative and follow‑through.
• More honest, productive performance conversations.
• Higher energy and resilience in demanding periods.
• Stronger collaboration, innovation and problem‑solving across teams.

Fiona Spence with a group of leaders training them in coaching skills for managers

Is Deep Performance Coaching right for your organisation?

This program is designed for organisations that want genuine capability shift, not a tick‑the‑box workshop. It delivers performance management coaching through real skills that equip managers to handle tough situations.

It’s ideal if you:

  • Have around 100 to 5,000 staff and need a consistent, high‑quality coaching approach across your managers.

  • Are a senior leader, or in HR or L&D, and are determined to lift both performance and wellbeing in a sustainable way.

  • See leaders shying away from difficult conversations with staff, such as those about fear, underperformance or emotional issues, and want manager as coach training that changes that.

  • Are committed to investing in premium executive leadership coaching programs that grow the kind of leaders your organisation needs for its next stage of growth.

Imposter Syndrome Resources For Your Staff

If imposter syndrome is a live issue in your organisation, you can also share my Imposter Syndrome Quiz and articles such as Ten Signs You Have Imposter Syndrome with your managers and staff.

These resources help people put language around their experience and normalise the conversations your managers will learn to coach.

Ready to build coaching skills for your managers and leaders with Deep Performance Coaching Training?

If you suspect unseen barriers like fear, self‑doubt and overwhelm are holding your people back, the next step is a conversation (not another generic training brochure!)

Book a High Performance Strategy Call with me Fiona Spence, Master Mindset Coach and Trainer, and we will:

  • Pinpoint where internal barriers are limiting performance, engagement and retention.
  • Identify where Deep Performance Coaching would make the biggest difference in your organisation.
  • Explore whether this performance management coaching program is the right fit for your managers, culture and growth plans.

Use the button below to choose a time that suits you, and let’s talk about how your managers can coach at the depth where real performance is decided.

Prefer to start by email? You’re welcome to email me directly at fiona@fionaspence.com.au with a few lines about your organisation and what you’re noticing, and we can decide together whether a call makes sense.

Executive Coach Fiona Spence in martial arts attire with sword under Japanese Entry Way

MBA, BA(Hons), Certified Coach
Learn more about me and my qualifications here.

Why work with me – Fiona Spence

I’m Fiona Spence, a Master Mindset Coach and former elite martial artist who has translated a Black Belt mindset into high performance in business and leadership.​
Across 10+ national martial arts titles and the title of International Instructor of the Year, I learned how courage, focus and resilience are built under pressure, not through theory.​

That same mindset helped me come back from burnout, chronic injury and years in a wheelchair to rebuild my life, business and leadership impact.​
Today, I bring those lessons into organisations, helping managers and leaders work with fear, self‑doubt and pressure in a way that is practical, safe and commercially grounded.

Professionally, I combine:

  • An MBA and qualifications in behavioural psychology, leadership, management and adult education.

  • Certifications in coaching, NLP and hypnosis, giving me deep tools for mindset and behaviour change.

  • Decades of experience mentoring thousands of business leaders and emerging talent to move past self‑sabotage and fulfil their potential.​

This blend of Black Belt mindset, psychological depth and real‑world organisational experience is what shapes the High Performance Inner Game Coaching approach your managers learn in this program.

“Top of her field!”

I have worked with many coaches and have found Fiona to be at the top of her field. Fiona has an extensive tool kit of tricks (all good!) to help you remove emotional blocks, get past the excuses and achieve goals. I highly recommend her.

gayl chivers mindset coach

Gayl Chivers

Learning & Leadership Consultant, Greater Brisbane

“She Empowers You”

When I met Fiona, I genuinely loved what I do, but I was exhausted. I was not coping with the pressure I’d put on myself to be everything to everyone (but myself). She immediately helped shift my mindset into a more effective space. She empowers you with the knowledge and tools you need to conquer your ‘thing’, and deliver the greatest, long-term impact. Six months on and I am so proud of the version of ‘me’ that I have grown into. I am more effective overall — a better founder, creative, mentor, friend, daughter, and partner. I have a clearer vision of my future, and what exactly is driving the legacy that I want to build.

Kathleen Casford Mindset Coach

Kathleen Casford

Founder of By Ninja, Pottsville NSW

“Best coach I ever had!”

Fiona was the best coach, mentor, and trainer I ever had. She always encouraged me, helped me gain clarity and direction, and provided great strategies. She has a wealth of knowledge about business and life and I loved how she used stories to explain concepts. It really helped me to see things from different perspectives. If you want to be your best self Fiona will definitely help you achieve your goals.

Olamide Adewolo Career Coaching

Olamide Adewole

Engineer, Melbourne

“She always believes in you”

Fiona is one of the most inspiring people I have met. She makes you feel like she always believes in you and that you can achieve anything you set your heart and mind to. Fiona is very open, honest and approachable. She never judges you but instead helps you see things from new and different angles. I loved the tools and techniques she shared with me and if you haven’t already connected with Fiona I strongly recommend you do.

Karina Landim Mindset Coaching

Karina Landim

Master of Computer Information Systems, New York

“Invaluable”

Fiona is a very talented mentor and presenter, and her help was invaluable not only to open my own business in Australia, but also to gain the confidence I needed at that moment to get started. Thanks, Fiona!

Reginaldo Nepomuceno Career Coaching

Reginald Nepomuceno

Marketing Officer at The University of Queensland

“A Genuine Game-Changer”

Working with Fiona Spence as my life coach was truly transformative. Her approach to Advanced Conversational Hypnosis differed from my expectations; instead of a traditional technique, we engaged in a conversation that unveiled the power of my subconscious mind and its role in achieving my goals. Fiona’s professional yet deeply empathetic manner created a safe and supportive environment, starting with small steps and celebrating each success. This experience has given me the confidence to navigate challenges and build momentum in my life. I’m grateful for Fiona’s expertise in Advanced Conversational Hypnosis – a genuine game-changer.

Basil Mabusa Mindset Coaching copy

Basil Mabuza

Manger, Sydney

“Non-judgemental”

I never expected to see results after just one session of coaching. But after a 50-minute session with Fiona I had made my mind up on a decision I had been debating for months. Within 24 hours I had taken action and was making progress towards my goals. I am now more self-aware than ever before, I have knowledge about myself that will help me find joy in all areas of life.

This is all thanks to the power of coaching and Fiona’s ability to pick up on what you are really saying, not the BS you are telling yourself. Her non-judgemental, action-orientated approach will leave you motivated and ready to make lasting change in your life.

Steph Welsh Mindset Coach

Steph Welch

Marketing and Design, Storrington, England

“Crumbling under pressure”

I was struggling with the business and we had just switched from being a startup to scale up. Days had become endless, I was exhausted and not feeling like I was making an impact on the business.

With Fiona, we uncovered the issues that were holding me back and came up with appropriate solutions to them. She helped me see what makes me tick and to use that to better navigate the chaos of life. I sleep soundly at the end of each day, am content, can point to the value that energy has created and love watching the business grow. If anyone needs any help with their mindset, career or any part of their life, I would definitely recommend!

William Ferguson Career Coach

William Ferguson

Owner of Wireless Timings, Brisbane Qld

“I am finally at peace with who I am”

After our session had finished, I felt much more relaxed and confident than I had in years. A wonderful peaceful feeling of being deeply connected with myself. This created a calm yet strong feeling of a more relaxed and certain mindset for myself.

Since our session I have retained this strong belief in myself and I no longer feel the need to seek approval from others. A key moment for me was when a good friend commented it was great to see me looking so confident. I can definitely say as a result of the wonderful session and experience I had with Fiona I am finally at peace with who I am.

Tony Schaufel Mindset Coaching

Tony Schaufelberger

Director of Quiet Confidence Auckland, NZ

“Gained a New Lease of Life for my Business”

I have in last 4 weeks taken Fiona on as my mindset coach. I have always understood the importance of having your mindset steadfast and focused if you wish to be successful and create results. Yet, I kept falling back into the negative and self-limiting behaviours. Fiona is keeping me accountable, focused and steadfast on my goals and self-belief. I cannot believe how in just a few short weeks I have transformed. I am so pumped, excited and have found a new lease of life for my business. I can’t wait to see where I will be in another 4 weeks, 4 months, 4 years from now. Thank you Fiona

Heidi Mindset Coach

Heidi Strohschon

Owner of Healthy Bones, Stafford, Brisbane

“Cuts through the BS!”

Fiona is also an inspiring and motivating speaker and thought leader who draws on her years of martial arts practice being able to share tools and tips to help you win in this game called life. Working with Fiona is a mixture of pleasure, learning, insight and even at times, tough love. Fiona is extremely approachable and empathetic yet manages to cut through the b***s*** to tell it like it is. Some life coaches are really good at making it look like they are listening, Fiona really does. She helps you break free of what it is that’s blocking you, and builds motivation to get you moving again.  If you haven’t already met Fiona I highly recommend you pick up the phone and give her a call. She is really welcoming and easy to talk to.

Graeme Thom Career Coaching

Graeme Thom AFSM

CEO of GT&Associates Pty Ltd, Auckland, Canberra, Brisbane

“Knowledgeable, Positive and Motivational”

Fiona has been outstanding over the past few months! In February, I reached out to her because I was having trouble finding direction in my career and was feeling stuck in personal situations. Thanks to Fiona’s expertise and psychological background, I was able to decide on the right pathway and to also be able overcome personal challenges.

Fiona is extremely knowledgeable, positive and motivational, and I can’t thank her enough for her service.

Jamie Pear Mindset Coaching copy

Jamie Pear

Solution Engineer, Brisbane Qld

“Great Leadership Coaching”

I commenced working with Fiona as part of our company leadership development program and was surprised by the simple practicality of  her approach. Prior to working with Fiona, I was overwhelmed, not effectively managing the influx of demands.  This, in turn, was affecting my general health and well-being in addition to productivity.

Fiona has helped me significantly and offered effective tools for clarifying priorities, scheduling & organisation, and People management. I’m now more intentional and outcome-focused.  and find the load more manageable, irrespective of the continued demands. I have very much appreciated Fiona’s approach and would certainly recommend her coaching services.

Tim Reynolds CES Leadership Coaching with Fiona

Tim Reynolds

Building Services BIM Manager, CES, Hobart

“Get Impactful Results”

If you’re looking for a fresh take on business and leadership coaching with real results Fiona has you covered.

Her Manager as Coach Training and the coaching itself has been a pivot point for moving when I felt stuck. This style of coaching is the gift that keeps giving as you unlock more than you bargained for.

I recommend Fiona and this style of coaching for anyone who is ready to improve as a coach or just wants to experience impactful results in their life, career or business.

Jenna Pleavin Head

Jenna Pleavin

Salon Owner, Biloela, QLD

FAQ: Coaching Skills for Managers Training

Deep Performance Coaching is a manager as coach training program that equips leaders with effective coaching skills for managers to address fear, self-doubt and overwhelm, unlocking 20-40% higher performance beyond standard skills training.

Unlike generic management coaching courses, Deep Performance Coaching offers coaching skills for managers and supervisors to tackle emotional barriers (like fear of failure, imposter syndrome, perfectionism) where other coaching training programs fall short. Blending behavioural psychology, NLP and real-world experience, it empowers leaders and managers to coach their teams right away and see changes fast.

This Deep Performance Coaching Course is ideal for organisations with 100-5,000 staff needing mentoring and coaching skills for difficult conversations, resilience and growth—perfect for HR/L&D seeking executive leadership coaching programs with proven ROI for their managers, leaders and teams.

The course runs over several practical sessions, which can be delivered consecutively or spaced to suit your leaders’ and managers’ schedules. As a principles-based approach, it equips managers with effective coaching skills they can use immediately to unlock potential and boost performance, so no endless workshops required!

Managers gain confidence tackling challenging conversations around fear, underperformance and imposter syndrome, turning tough talks into breakthroughs. Teams respond with greater ownership, honest dialogue, higher resilience under pressure, and stronger collaboration, delivering measurable lifts in performance, engagement and retention as studies on managerial coaching confirm.

Start by booking a High Performance Strategy Call with Fiona Spence. It’s an opportunity to uncover your team’s hidden barriers, map exactly how Deep Performance Coaching can unlock their potential, and create a clear path to confident managers who coach through fear and drive real performance breakthroughs.

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