Coaching Conversations Playbook — Short Scripts You Can Use

Coaching doesn’t need to be long or formal. Use these brief, practical scripts to structure 5–30 minute conversations that help people learn and act.

Core pattern (Observe → Ask → Agree)

1. Observe: State what you noticed without judgment. “I saw the client call ran over and some tasks were left unassigned.”
2. Ask: Two open questions. “What was most challenging about that call?” “What options do you see for next steps?”
3. Agree: Decide one specific next action and how you’ll follow up. “What will you try next? How should I check in?”

15-minute micro-coaching script

Use this during a stand-up or before a shift change:

1. One-sentence observation (30s)
2. “What’s the obstacle?” (1–2 min)
3. “What options would help?” (3–4 min)
4. Agree on one action and a quick check-in time (1 min)

Remote check-in script (asynchronous)

Send a short message using the same pattern:

I noticed X. How are you thinking about it? What’s one next step you’d try? I’ll follow up on Friday.

GROW quick template for longer coaching (20–30 min)

• Goal: What do you want to achieve?
• Reality: What’s happening now?
• Options: What could you try?
• Will: What will you commit to and by when?

Tips for leaders who aren’t natural question-askers

• Keep questions simple and specific. Replace “How can I help?” with “What is the one thing I could do this week that would make this easier?”
• Use silence—count to five after asking a question. People need time to think.
• If you must advise, label it: “If it were my call, I might…; what do you think of that option?”

Common adaptations

Short on time? Coach the core skill: set a 7-minute timer and follow the micro-coaching script. Working with a novice? Ask more diagnostic questions and pair them with short, concrete practice tasks. With experienced contributors? Use coaching to explore system-level barriers and delegation decisions.

Use these scripts until they feel natural. The aim isn’t to be perfect; it’s to create predictable, growth-focused conversations that expand others’ ability to act.