Coaching has always been an essential part of great leadership, but —for most sales managers — the way we coach today looks nothing like it did just a few years ago.
Back in 2017, we wrote a coach-the-coaches guide for sales managers called War Stories from the Coaching Trenches. At the time, it felt like the workplace was evolving quickly. Fast forward — and we do mean FAST forward — to 2025, and coaching has become even more complex, more data-driven, and more critical than ever.
Hybrid teams, constant digital distractions, and a rapidly shifting business landscape mean that managers and coaches have to be more adaptable, strategic, and intentional with their coaching than ever before.
But one thing hasn’t changed: coaching isn’t just about employees. It’s a two-way street.
If you’re putting in more effort than your employees, if you’re surrounded by people who don’t challenge you, if you’re burning yourself out trying to fix every problem, something needs to change.
These are the challenges we’ve been hearing from managers and coaches for years. That’s why we’ve revisited and updated this piece for 2025, refreshing old lessons and adding new ones to help you navigate the realities of today’s workplace.
A Sneak Peek at the Updated Advice
We cover ten hard-won lessons for managers and coaches, plus two brand-new additions tailored for 2025. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find inside:
- Don’t Work Harder Than Your Employees – If you’re rowing the boat while they lounge up front, it’s time to step back. Your investment in an employee’s success should match their own.
- Don’t Be the Smartest Person in the Room – If you’re always the one with the answers, you’re limiting your team’s potential. Hire people who challenge you, and get out of their way.
- Choose Which Rocks to Die On – You can’t fix everything. If you fight every battle, you’ll burn out—and your team won’t know what really matters.
- Be a Boss, Not a Buddy – You can be empathetic without overstepping. Great coaches build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Bridge the Gap Between Generations (New for 2025!) – With five generations in the workforce, coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. Learn to adapt your approach to different communication styles and values.
- Cut Through the Noise in a Distracted World (New for 2025!) – Between endless notifications, hybrid work, and digital fatigue, coaching has to be clear, focused, and intentional to break through the noise.
If you’re a manager, coach, or leader who wants to keep your team motivated, engaged, and growing in 2025, this guide is for you.
Download the 2025 War Stories from the Coaching Trenched Guide