To Promote Well-Being, Leverage Your Coaching Skills (Forbes)
Published November, 2020
Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson explores the growing mental health challenges faced by employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical role leaders play in supporting their teams through this period. As stress, anxiety, and burnout reach unprecedented levels, she highlights that many leaders feel uncertain about how to help—balancing care for their employees with concerns about overstepping boundaries.
She introduces a practical approach grounded in coaching, encouraging leaders to bring core coaching skills into everyday conversations. By sharing observations with care, activating empathy, asking thoughtful questions, and helping employees identify small, actionable next steps, leaders can create meaningful dialogue that supports wellbeing and empowers individuals to take ownership of their health.
Dr. Larson emphasizes that while leaders are not a substitute for professional care, they can play a vital role in fostering awareness, connection, and support. Ultimately, she positions coaching as a powerful way for leaders to respond to the mental health crisis—helping employees navigate challenges, build resilience, and make healthier choices during times of uncertainty.
Key Takeaways
The mental health impact of the pandemic is significant and widespread.
Stress, anxiety, and burnout have increased dramatically, affecting employees at every level.Leaders often want to help—but don’t know how.
Uncertainty around boundaries and effectiveness can prevent meaningful conversations.Coaching skills provide a practical way to support wellbeing.
Leaders can use simple, accessible techniques to engage employees without overstepping.Sharing observations opens the door to dialogue.
Noticing and naming what you see creates space for employees to reflect and respond.Empathy builds trust and connection.
Feeling understood helps employees feel supported, even in difficult circumstances.Powerful questions encourage self-awareness and growth.
Thoughtful prompts help employees think more deeply and identify what they need.Small actions create momentum.
Encouraging manageable next steps helps employees move forward without feeling overwhelmed.Leaders play a key role—but are not a replacement for professional care.
Supporting awareness and connection can help employees recognize when additional help is needed.
Authored by Carylynn Kemp Larson