What Makes a Great Coach? | Insights from Tony Robbins

Coaching is more than just guiding individuals toward their goals; it’s about leading, inspiring, and creating lasting change. A great coach possesses a unique blend of qualities that enable them to not only see the potential in others but also to bring that potential to life. Drawing on insights from Tony Robbins and the story of how he helped legendary coach Pat Riley, this article delves into the key characteristics that make a great coach.

What Makes a Great Coach?

The following list presents some of the basic skills and characteristics needed for a coach.

1. The Power to Lead and Inspire

A great coach is a leader, someone who can make things happen and inspire others to push beyond their limits. They don’t just give directions; they inspire action and foster a sense of purpose within their team. Leadership in coaching is about setting the tone, creating a vision, and motivating others to achieve what may seem impossible.

1.1 Inspiration Through Vision

Great coaches possess the ability to see things as they are, without exaggeration or denial. They have a firm grasp on reality, but they also see beyond the present circumstances to envision a better future. This vision isn’t just about seeing the possibilities—it’s about communicating that vision in a way that others can believe in and work towards. As Tony Robbins notes, a great coach defines the future and makes it real and attainable for others.

1.2 Maximizing Resources

It’s not just about having the right resources; it’s about knowing how to use them effectively. Great coaches understand that achieving a goal isn’t always about what you have but how you utilize what you have. Whether it’s willpower, creativity, or determination, a great coach knows how to maximize these resources to achieve extraordinary results.

2. Facing Challenges Head-On

Great coaches do not shy away from problems—they tackle them head-on. They have the knowledge and skills to assess situations accurately and make informed decisions that drive progress. Fear and doubt don’t play a role in their mission; instead, they take necessary risks to help others break through to the next level.

2.1 The Importance of Honest Assessment

Being able to see things clearly and honestly is crucial for any coach. A great coach is aware of the current realities, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses without sugar-coating the truth. This honesty allows them to identify the best paths forward and to make adjustments as needed.

2.2 Courage in Decision-Making

Decision-making in coaching often involves taking risks. Whether it’s pushing an athlete beyond their comfort zone or changing a strategy mid-game, a great coach has the courage to make tough decisions that can lead to breakthroughs and lasting change.

3. Strategic Thinking and Incremental Progress

Turning a vision into reality requires more than just inspiration; it requires a strategic approach. Great coaches understand that radical results often come from incremental changes.

3.1 Small Steps to Big Results

As Tony Robbins illustrates in the story of Pat Riley, sometimes it’s about making small, manageable improvements that, when combined, lead to significant progress. In the case of Riley’s team, instead of demanding a 25% improvement, Robbins suggested focusing on a 1% improvement in five key areas of the game. This strategy not only made the goal more attainable but also motivated the players to push themselves beyond what was initially asked.

3.2 Engaging the Team

A great coach knows how to engage their team in the process of improvement. By setting achievable goals and creating a sense of ownership among the players, a coach can foster a culture of continuous improvement. This approach not only leads to better performance but also builds confidence and resilience within the team.

4. Creating a Culture of Accountability

Accountability is a cornerstone of effective coaching. Great coaches don’t just set goals; they hold themselves and their team accountable for achieving those goals. This accountability creates a culture where everyone is committed to excellence and willing to do what it takes to succeed.

4.1 Setting Clear Expectations

A great coach communicates clear expectations to their team. They outline what needs to be done, how it should be done, and the standards that must be met. This clarity ensures that everyone is on the same page and knows what is expected of them.

4.2 Building Trust Through Accountability

When a coach holds themselves accountable, it builds trust within the team. Players are more likely to follow a coach who leads by example, demonstrating that they are just as committed to the team’s success as they expect their players to be.

5. Adapting to Change

The ability to adapt is essential in coaching. As circumstances change, so must the approach. Great coaches are flexible and willing to adjust their strategies to meet the needs of the moment.

5.1 Understanding the Players

In today’s world, coaching isn’t just about telling players what to do; it’s about understanding them as individuals. Tony Robbins highlights how the modern athlete differs from those of the past, necessitating a more nuanced approach. Great coaches recognize these differences and adapt their coaching style accordingly.

5.2 Evolving with the Game

The game of coaching is constantly evolving, and great coaches stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning and adapting. Whether it’s new techniques, strategies, or technologies, a great coach is always looking for ways to improve and stay relevant in a changing world.

6. Other Coaching Skills

While vision, leadership, and adaptability are essential, there are other foundational skills that contribute significantly to a coach’s effectiveness. In addition to the above skills suggested by Tony, the below skills are also suggested by many professionals and strategists:

6.1 Empathy and Connection

A successful coach must truly connect with others on a personal level. Empathy is key—it allows the coach to understand what the client is feeling and experiencing. Coaching is about the client, not the coach. Self-absorption or a preference for solitude often conflicts with the people-centered nature of coaching.

6.2 Insight and Objectivity

Alongside empathy, a great coach must have the insight to analyze objectively. This balance allows them to connect emotionally while also stepping back to identify underlying issues and strategic paths forward.

6.3 Resilience and Emotional Stability

Coaching often involves managing emotional intensity. Coaches may face negativity, resistance, or personal frustrations from clients. Emotional resilience ensures that the coach remains a stable, positive presence—someone who uplifts rather than absorbs stress.

6.4 Integrity and Ethics

Trust is fundamental in a coaching relationship. Coaches are often entrusted with sensitive, personal information. A strong sense of integrity—not just confidentiality but also knowing one’s professional limits—is crucial. Coaches must know when to refer a client to a therapist if deeper psychological issues arise.

6.5 Listening and Questioning Skills

Sometimes, the best support a coach can offer is simply to listen. Active, empathetic listening builds rapport and understanding. Complementing this are strong questioning skills—asking powerful, open-ended questions that guide clients to discover their own insights and solutions.

6.6 Business and Organizational Awareness

For life coaches, understanding personal struggles is key. For executive coaches, business acumen is essential. They must grasp organizational dynamics, leadership challenges, and industry-specific language to engage effectively with high-level professionals.

6.7 Continuous Learning and Development

Whether coaching individuals or executives, a commitment to ongoing learning—especially in areas like psychology, communication, or management—keeps a coach sharp, credible, and capable of delivering high value.

Conclusion

A great coach is much more than just a mentor or a guide; they are leaders who inspire, strategists who plan, and motivators who push others to achieve their best. Through a combination of vision, strategy, accountability, and adaptability, a great coach can help individuals and teams reach new heights. Tony Robbins’ insights into coaching, especially as seen in his work with Pat Riley, offer valuable lessons on What Makes a Great Coach—one who not only leads but also transforms lives.