The Coaching strength – boosting others

People with the Coaching strength get a kick out of developing others to achieve their best.

You are a natural encourager, lifting others and seeing their potential. You may have some personal ambitions, but you seem to get a greater internal reward when you help someone else succeed. You are usually good with plans, and can see where others get stuck. You love teams and prefer to work together than alone. Your helpfulness is genuine, and it fulfils you.

Reaction to the Coaching Strength

When a young person sees Coaching in their Top 5, their reaction is often a quiet nod. “Yeah… I like helping people.” At first, it might not feel like a big deal—because they’ve probably always done it. Encouraging others, noticing their progress, helping them grow—it just feels natural.

But here’s the thing: not everyone does this. Not everyone thinks like they do. They are gifted in boosting others and making them feel seen, valued, and capable. In a world where teens are often paying others out, pulling others down and looking out for themselves, a person with the coaching strength is a standout.

In fact, they may be one of the most influential people in their group—and they didn’t even realise it.

Where the Coaching Strength is So Useful

Ellie, 15, enjoys playing her own football, but she’s actually more excited to coach the Under 8s. She trains them every Thursday and cheers from the sideline on game day. “Sure, I enjoy playing,” she says, “but when I see the look on their faces when they beat the top team – I just love that the most.”

Brad, 16, doesn’t think of himself as a leader. But at school, they call him “Mr Nice Guy.” He’s always affirming others and lifting their spirits. “I just say what I see,” he shrugs. “I usually see the good in people, so I point it out.”

“Harrison, 17: “I’m pretty good at Maths, so I started tutoring Year 7 students. I like teaching and helping them learn. It’s good to see the penny drop and someone start to get it.”

The Great Challenge: Self-Care

People with the Coaching strength often pour themselves into others—but can forget to look after their own progress. We see this in a lot of adults who have Coaching as a strength – they can burn out trying to help everyone else, while their own needs go unmet. It’s a beautiful thing to give, but not if it leaves you running on empty.

Another challenge? Wanting people to believe in themselves—but getting frustrated when they don’t. Coaching types can feel discouraged when their encouragement seems ignored or when someone keeps making the same mistakes – particularly as parents. You’ve got to remember: it takes time, and you don’t have to carry it all.

The truth is: your worth doesn’t come from fixing others—it comes from who you are.

Why is it so great to have the Coaching strength?

You love to see other people’s progress and you notice even a little bit of growth.

You are a natural encourager. People are lifted with you around.

You give more than you take.

3 Ways to Encourage a Teen with the Coaching Strength

Spot their impact
Tell them when their encouragement made a difference. Let them know someone smiled, succeeded, or tried again—because of them.
Encourage self-reflection
Ask, “What’s something you’re proud of in yourself lately?” Coaching teens often deflect praise—so teach them to notice their own growth too.
Give them space to lead
Invite them into peer support roles, mentoring, or junior leadership opportunities. They thrive when trusted to invest in others.