What Makes a Great Coach? The Traits That Matter Most

Feb 4
4 min read

When choosing a coach, it’s about more than just their certifications or technical skills. Coaching is deeply personal—it’s about connection, trust, and leadership. A great coach doesn’t just help you achieve your goals; they empower you to grow, overcome barriers, and believe in yourself.

As someone who has walked this path—both as a coach and a client—I’ve experienced firsthand the qualities that set great coaches apart. My journey began with a catastrophic neck injury in 2014 that ended my football career. The recovery process, which spanned nearly five years, sparked a passion for understanding how to help others navigate their own physical and mental challenges. Through education, mentorship, and thousands of hours of experience, I’ve come to appreciate what truly defines a great coach.

Let’s explore the traits that matter most and why they are essential—not just for achieving goals but for creating lasting, meaningful change.

The Core Traits of a Great Coach

1. Empathy and Active Listening

Great coaching starts with empathy—the ability to understand and share in someone else’s perspective. Clients aren’t just looking for someone to write their training plan; they need someone who listens, truly understands their goals, and provides tailored guidance.

In my coaching career, empathy has taken me far beyond performance-related conversations. Many clients have come to me for help with fitness but stayed because of the deeper connection we’ve built. They’ve shared struggles with confidence, resilience, and even personal challenges outside of the gym. By being willing to listen and meet people where they are, I’ve been able to make a difference in their lives that extends far beyond fitness.

2. Knowledge and Staying Updated

Coaches have a responsibility to continuously learn. Whether it’s keeping up with the latest research, listening to industry leaders, or revisiting foundational principles, staying informed ensures that we bring the best possible strategies to our clients.

I make it a habit to read articles, books, and research, and I listen to podcasts from diverse sources—not just in fitness, but in leadership and business as well. This helps me refine my skills as a professional, planner, and communicator. Clients trust a coach who is knowledgeable, and that trust comes from demonstrating not just expertise but a commitment to growth.

3. Adaptability to Meet Individual Needs

No two clients are the same. A great coach understands this and adapts their approach to fit the unique needs of each person. This doesn’t mean bending to whims or abandoning structure—it means tailoring methods to meet clients where they are, whether they need encouragement, accountability, or guidance.

I’ve worked with clients who needed empathy during difficult times and others who needed a push to break through their limits. Both approaches are valid, but the key is knowing which one to apply and when. This adaptability has become a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy, allowing me to help a diverse range of people achieve their goals.

The Difference Between Knowledge and Application

Knowledge is essential, but it’s only the starting point. Certifications and education provide a strong foundation, but real expertise comes from applying that knowledge in real-world situations. The gym floor is where theory meets practice, and it’s where true coaching skills are honed.

Throughout my career, I’ve logged thousands of hours coaching teams and individuals, and I’ve learned lessons that no classroom could teach. For example, I once worked with a client struggling with self-doubt after a setback. By listening, empathizing, and breaking down their goals into smaller, actionable steps, we rebuilt their confidence. That progress went beyond the gym—it changed how they approached challenges in other areas of life.

Unfortunately, the fitness industry is full of "weekend certification warriors" who lack this hands-on experience. While qualifications are important, they aren’t the only indicator of a great coach. Practical experience, combined with education, is what sets truly qualified professionals apart.

Building Trust and Relationships

1. Communication and Transparency

Trust is the foundation of every successful coaching relationship, and it begins with clear, honest communication. When clients first come to me, I ask open-ended questions to help them clarify their goals. This process is collaborative—it’s about understanding what they want to achieve and creating a plan they can truly commit to.

Transparency is equally important. Over the years, I’ve made it a priority to be upfront with clients, whether it’s about scheduling conflicts, moments of overwhelm, or even mistakes I’ve made. Everyone slips up occasionally, but addressing those moments honestly and openly helps build trust. Clients respect a coach who is human and accountable, rather than someone who pretends to be infallible.

2. Strategies for Fostering Trust

One of the most effective ways to build trust is to start small. Clients need to see that your advice works, and that begins with achievable, actionable steps. For example, if a client’s goal is to lose weight, I might start with simple habits like adding more vegetables to their meals or walking 10 minutes a day.

As they experience small wins, their confidence grows, and they become more invested in the process. This creates a cycle of trust and progress that deepens the coach-client relationship over time.

What Makes a Coach Truly Great?

A great coach is more than a technical expert—they are empathetic, adaptable, and committed to growth. They build trust through communication, transparency, and a deep understanding of their clients’ needs.

For me, coaching has always been about more than helping people achieve physical goals. It’s about enabling them to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and reach new heights in every area of life. These values have shaped my coaching philosophy and continue to guide me with every client I work with.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What qualities do you value most in a coach? Let’s start a conversation!

Let’s Connect!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If these insights resonated with you or sparked new ideas, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking for guidance, want to share your own journey, or just want to connect, let’s keep the conversation going.

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