Besides being a direct reference to one of Marcia Reynolds’ books, “coach the team, not the problem” is a powerful reminder that true transformation in teams doesn’t lie in chasing symptoms but in addressing the root—the team itself. It’s about nurturing the relationships, understanding the dynamics, and cultivating an environment where trust, cohesion, and growth become the foundation.
The Pitfalls of Problem-Focused Coaching
When team coaches focus solely on the problem, they become fixated on finding immediate solutions. This can lead to a transactional approach: solve one issue, move to the next, and repeat. However, this approach often misses the deeper systemic patterns that give rise to these issues in the first place. Problems are often just the visible part of much deeper, interconnected dynamics—issues of communication, trust, psychological safety, or shared purpose. Coaching only the problem often leads to a “whack-a-mole” effect, where solving one issue gives rise to another, seemingly disconnected problem.
Embracing Unity and Resourcefulness
To coach the team means to look at the whole system: the relationships, the culture, the unspoken agreements and dynamics, and the collective potential waiting to be realized. It’s about helping the team see itself—both its strengths and its limitations—so it can move forward with greater awareness and intention. The problems that emerge are useful indicators, but they are just that—indicators. The real work is in supporting the team to develop the capacity to face these challenges from a place of unity and resourcefulness.
Empowering Teams Through Coaching
A team that has been coached in this way becomes empowered to solve its own problems. They grow the skills to navigate conflict, the wisdom to address challenges without fear, and the collective intelligence to find new ways forward. They are not reliant on the coach to swoop in and provide solutions because they have developed a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and resilience.
Viewing the Team as a Living System
Focus on the team as an organism—a living, breathing system. Build their capacity to collaborate, to be vulnerable, to celebrate successes, and to grow from setbacks. Problems will still come, but a well-coached team will meet them as opportunities to evolve together, rather than obstacles to be feared.
From Problem-Solving to Team-Evolving
This is where real progress happens: not in problem-solving but in team-evolving.
If you are ready to see the transformational impact of focusing on the team, not just the problem, then you might be ready for our Diploma in Emergent Team Coaching.
