Body of Knowledge · Glossary
Coaching versus directing
Developing someone's judgment through questions, as against supplying the answer. Coaching is the default for developmental moments. Directing is the named exception for emergencies, complete novices and stakes that leave no room.
Where the standard develops it
- CC-2Coaching versus directingDeveloping judgment in others.
Related terms
- GROW model
- A coaching structure (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) that gives "ask before telling" a shape a manager can hold in a one-on-one.
- Learning organisation
- An organisation designed to turn experience into shared capability.
- Rescuing
- Stepping in with the solution the moment someone struggles.
Cite this definition
Chicago, BibTeX and licence →Engineering Management Academy. (2026). Coaching versus directing. In Engineering Management Academy Body of Knowledge (Version 3.1, GLO.coaching-versus-directing). https://www.engineeringmanagement.academy/body-of-knowledge/glossary/coaching-versus-directing