Coaching for Managers Program

Background

Our client, a category leader in the ANZ consumer goods market, identified a strategic need to strengthen leadership capability across all business units and functional areas. Following insights from employee pulse surveys and performance reviews, the organisation partnered with Carrera to design and deliver a Coaching for Managers Program aimed at embedding a coaching culture and enhancing leadership effectiveness. 

Program Design

The program was structured as a four-part workshop series delivered across multiple cohorts in 2024 and 2025. It focused on:

• Developing the mindset and competencies of a Coach

• Active listening and powerful questioning

• Feedback as a tool for development

• Conducting career conversations

• Applying goal-setting frameworks (FUEL & GROW)

• Empowering high-potential employees (HiPos)

Workshops were highly interactive, encouraging peer learning and practical application. A follow-up structure ensured continuity and reinforcement of learning. 

Program Structure

The program was delivered to a cross-functional with a mix of functions and levels of seniority in each group – all had or were preparing for people management experience.

Participant guides, workbooks, and coaching models were provided to support ongoing development.

The program was delivered across 4 days:

Workshop I: Creating the Mindset of a Coach & Competencies required for Coaching in the Workplace

Workshop II: Coaching on the Job – Active Listening, Powerful Questioning & Feedback

Workshop III: Career Conversations and Individual Development Plans with personal development goals

Workshop IV: Driving our own personal development as a coach beyond this program and installing a coaching culture into the business

Participant Feedback

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

• Participants valued the practical nature of the sessions and the relevance to their day-to-day leadership challenges

• Participants appreciated that the deep knowledge of their business and the sector meant that the content and activities were all tailored and specific to them

• 99% of participants said the program gave them a greater understanding of how to coach their teams to higher performance

• 98% of participants said they are very confident in applying the learnings to their day to day jobs

• 98% of participants said they would highly recommend the program to employees at a similar level

• Managers appreciated the opportunity to connect across departments and levels, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose

• Many reported increased confidence in conducting coaching conversations and applying frameworks like FUEL & GROW in follow up meetings post-workshop series

Key Outcomes

The program delivered measurable growth in several key areas:

• Every employee in the business is now having regular career coaching conversations with their Manager and has an Individual Development Plan with SMART goals

• Cross functional feedback conversations are being observed across departments – the conversations are feeling more open and comfortable

• Managers reported stronger relationships with direct reports and improved team morale

• Leaders demonstrated greater ownership of decisions and commitment to core values

• Enhanced support for high performers through structured development conversations has resulted in a number of internal promotions as well as several lateral movements to broaden skillsets

Conclusion

The Coaching for Managers Program has become a cornerstone of the business’ leadership development strategy. By equipping managers with the mindset and tools to coach effectively, the organisation is fostering a resilient, engaged, and high-performing workforce. The program’s success has paved the way for continued investment in coaching initiatives, with plans to expand and deepen the approach in 2026.