This is part 2 of a series of 18 articles I wrote for Entrepreneur.com.

---

Referees blow whistles. Coaches build players. Too many managers default to the whistle.

The difference comes down to engagement. A referee watches from a distance and flags mistakes. A coach gets in the trenches, asks tough questions, and helps people figure out the answers themselves. Instead of “Why did you fail?” try “What could you have done better?” — it sounds subtle, but it completely changes the dynamic.

The best coaching happens in retrospectives. After every project, sit down and ask: what worked, what didn’t, and what patterns are emerging? Treat setbacks as data, not disasters. That reframe alone will change your team’s relationship with risk.

Read the full article on Entrepreneur.com

---

Previously: The 3 Modes of Communication | Next up: Help Others Think Big