“I haven’t got time for this” – why taking time for coaching matters

“I haven’t got time for this” is of the most honest responses we hear from leaders when considering their own development needs. They are not resistant or disengaged - just stretched, under pressure and trying to keep all those plates spinning. And in truth, it makes complete sense. When you’re navigating competing priorities, firefighting day-to-day issues and operating in a culture that feels difficult or inconsistent, the idea of adding ‘coaching’ to the list can feel like one thing too many.

But here’s the quiet reality we see repeatedly; the moments when leaders feel they don’t have time are often the moments when they need to stop and think. They need to recognise why the same problems are being repeated and the patterns beneath. Coaching may not remove the immediate pressures, but it offers an opportunity to address the causes of these problems, understand their impact and explore different ways of working going forward.

Where coaching makes the most difference when everything feels reactive

Leaders often find themselves:

• responding constantly
• managing shifting priorities
• making decisions on the fly
• busy but not making progress.

Coaching creates space to step back, understand what’s really going on, and make more intentional choices – bringing structure, boundaries, and clarity.

When accountability is inconsistent

Common frustrations:

• unclear expectations
• poor follow-through
• behaviours being tolerated

Coaching helps leaders recognise what they are allowing, and how to hold others to account in a clear, constructive way.

When difficult conversations are avoided

Patterns emerge where:

• issues are noticed but not addressed
• conversations are softened or delayed

Coaching builds confidence to approach these conversations thoughtfully, and highlights the cost of avoiding them.

When the culture feels frustrating

Seeing what isn’t working, but feeling unable to influence it, can lead to:

• second-guessing
• loss of confidence
• seeking reassurance elsewhere

Coaching provides a space to sense-check thinking, reconnect with your judgement, and decide where to focus your influence.

When resilience is being tested

In unclear or inconsistent environments, leaders absorb pressure:

• fatigue builds
• frustration increases
• headspace reduces

Coaching creates the opportunity to reset, process what’s happening, and choose how to respond rather than reacting to everything around you.

When you’re waiting for things to “settle down”

“I’ll do this when things are more stable.” Understandable but often stability doesn’t come on its own. The underlying issues are often:

• unclear expectations
• inconsistent leadership
• avoidance of challenge

Coaching helps you explore how you are responding and the different behaviours needed to make a difference now.

A different way to look at it

Coaching isn’t about adding more to your workload. It’s about creating a small amount of space to think more clearly, respond more intentionally and lead in a way that is aligned with how you want to operate.

The question isn’t really:  “Do I have time for this?” It’s more:  “What keeps repeating because I haven’t had the space to step back and think differently about it?”. And that’s where the real value lies.

Key Benefits of Coaching – Coaching helps leaders to:

🔍 Gain clarity when facing complexity and competing priorities

🎯 Focus on what matters most and make better decisions

💬 Build confidence to tackle difficult conversations

✅ Strengthens accountability

🧭 Trust their judgement and reduce second-guessing

💪 Develop resilience and manage pressure more effectively

🔄 Break unhelpful patterns and create lasting change

⚖️ Lead with greater intention rather than reacting to circumstances

🌱 Make progress without waiting for conditions to be perfect

At its core, coaching creates the space to think clearly, act purposefully and lead more effectively.

If this resonates at all get in touch on 01904 628838 for an informal discussion and look out for Sue’s blog which focusses on what’s involved