Coaching for remote teams isn’t just a buzzword or a “nice-to-have.” When done effectively, it has the power to transform performance, retention, and workplace culture.
This blog draws from a powerful episode of Talent Talks, featuring Lara Guevara of More Staffing and Aycee of Behind the Scenes Studio. Both are certified executive coaches who candidly share how coaching revolutionized their businesses, offering insights and strategies for remote team success.
What you’ll uncover in this post:
- How coaching improves retention, decision-making, and emotional intelligence.
- Why coaching differs from training or mentoring.
- Tangible lessons from leaders who implemented coaching in their remote teams.
- Practical steps to start coaching in your workplace.
If you’ve been wondering whether coaching is worth the investment, the lessons from Lara and Aycee will show you why it’s a strategic advantage, not an optional perk.
Coaching Isn’t Just for Executives Anymore
For years, coaching was reserved for top executives or elite athletes, but Lara and Aycee’s stories highlight how coaching can transform both individuals and entire teams.
Both founders started their coaching journeys in their twenties, not as business leaders, but as individuals wanting more clarity and growth in their lives. Lara shares how hiring a coach during a career crossroads helped shape her leadership approach. Similarly, Aycee speaks about how early coaching experiences helped her scale her business without losing sight of her values.
Their stories set the foundation for why coaching matters in the workplace. It’s not just about professional skills; coaching improves decision-making, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, all of which are critical in today’s fast-paced remote work environment.
Benefits of Coaching in the Workplace:
- Improved self-awareness among team members.
- Enhanced problem-solving and independent thinking.
- Higher team engagement and reduced burnout.
Coaching vs. Training vs. Mentoring – What’s the Difference?
“Should I train my team, mentor them, or bring in a coach?” is a question many leaders grapple with. The answer depends on your team’s needs.
Training
Training works best for skills-based learning, like using new software or implementing workflow processes. It’s a one-size-fits-all knowledge transfer. For example, you might organize training sessions to onboard new hires to task management tools like Trello or Slack.
When to use training:
- When your team needs clear instructions or new skills.
- For technology or process rollouts.
Mentoring
Mentorship involves guidance from someone more experienced, who shares wisdom and experiences. While incredibly valuable, it tends to focus on career guidance rather than daily operational growth.
When to use mentoring:
- For long-term professional development.
- When employees seek industry knowledge.
Coaching
Coaching, however, offers personal insights and actionable feedback. It’s not about telling someone what to do; it’s about helping them discover their solutions. With remote team members, coaching is especially powerful because it fosters autonomy and strengthens distributed work environments.
Key Differences – Why Choose Coaching?
- Training: Teaches you how to do something.
- Mentoring: Guides based on experience.
- Coaching: Helps unlock internal transformation and problem-solving skills.
What Coaching Looks Like in a Remote Team
Ask Lara and Aycee, and they’ll tell you the magic of coaching lies in how it transforms feedback into something empowering, not threatening.
The Anatomy of a Coaching Session
- 75% Listening: The coach listens actively to highlight patterns and potential areas for growth.
- 25% Reflecting: Coaches pose questions and reflections that allow the individual to uncover their solutions.
How It Works for Remote Teams
- Builds autonomy for self-driven team members.
- Provides regular feedback loops, helping employees feel supported even in asynchronous settings.
- Encourages self-awareness, empowering team members to improve independently.
Coaching isn’t about micromanagement or weekly checklists. It’s about creating space for employees in remote settings to pause, reflect, and work smarter.
Real ROI of Workplace Coaching
Aycee noticed a tangible ROI when workplace coaching became part of her company culture. Employees reported greater job satisfaction, took more initiative, and decision-making became sharper across the board.
Here’s what happened at More Staffing and Behind the Scenes Studio:
- Improved Retention: Teams with coaches stayed engaged and loyal, resulting in lower turnover rates.
- Better Decision-Making: Staff became more confident in their decisions, leading to faster project delivery.
- Happier Teams: Self-awareness coaching helped employees feel more valued, driving higher morale.
One piece of feedback Lara received from her team said it all:
“Coaching helped me identify blind spots I didn’t know were holding me back. I feel like I’m solving problems more intentionally now.”
Should You Hire a Coach or Train Managers to Coach?
The question of whether to outsource coaching or embed it into leadership starts with understanding your team’s current needs.
External Coaches
- Perfect for high-impact transformation.
- Provide unbiased feedback that teams trust.
- Cost range: $100–$1,000 per session.
Train Managers to Coach
- Offers a long-term solution at a lower cost.
- Requires training to ensure managers are skilled and unbiased.
- Best for ongoing career support integrated into daily operations.
Both options have clear benefits, but some companies combine both to get the most out of their workforce. For example, starting with an external coach while training managers provides the most flexibility.
How to Introduce Coaching to Your Remote Workplace
Getting started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin with these steps to integrate coaching into your virtual team culture seamlessly.
1. Start Small
Identify high-potential employees or managers who can benefit most from coaching. This will create early advocates within your team.
2. Choose the Right Coach
Seek coaches with experience working in remote teams. Their expertise will ensure sessions cater to the unique challenges of virtual work environments.
3. Define Your Budget
Coaching can cost anywhere from $100/hour to $1,000/hour, so it’s important to set clear limits while accounting for your team’s needs.
4. Balance Coaching with Training and Mentoring
Coaching works best when used alongside traditional training and mentoring programs. This ensures employees receive both technical skills and personal development.
Coaching Builds Stronger People and Businesses
Coaching for remote teams has proven itself as a strategic tool, not just a soft skill. For forward-thinking leaders, it’s the game-changer that builds stronger individuals, inspires retention, and drives exceptional performance.
Whether you’re onboarding employees, training new managers, or simply aiming to improve morale, coaching adds exponential value. The ROI is clear—not just in numbers, but also in the impact it has on your team’s success and fulfillment. Want to explore how coaching can transform your virtual team? Connect with the experts at More Staffing and discover customized coaching programs designed for Filipino virtual talent.
