Why Your Manager Should Never Be Your Coach

In this episode of Please Don’t Coach Me, Lauren LeMunyan pulls no punches on a topic that’s become far too common — leaders coaching their direct reports.

With over 4,000 hours of coaching experience across industries and organizational levels, Lauren shares why this well-intentioned practice is not only problematic, but a direct violation of ethical coaching standards.

If you’ve recently been trained as an internal coach, or you’re a leader eager to use your coaching skills with your team, this is a must-listen to keep you and your organization aligned with best practices and ethical boundaries.

What You'll Learn:

Why managers should not coach their direct reports
The specific ICF Code of Ethics sections (24 and 28) that speak to power dynamics and conflict of interest
How coaching a direct report can undermine trust, neutrality, and psychological safety
What coaching skills you can use in leadership conversations without crossing ethical lines
What to do if your boss wants to "coach" you — and how to advocate for a safer alternative

Key Takeaway:

Use coaching skills — but do not hold coaching sessions with people you manage. There is a critical difference, and understanding that line can make or break trust, safety, and effective leadership.