Why Completing Homework is Critical in Coaching Client’s Success.

“The most transformative coaching insights aren’t secrets—they’re abandoned homework.”

Atip Muangsuwan
CEO Coach and Coach Supervisor

Last week, a senior leader shared a confession that reshaped how he viewed coaching forever:

“I had the strategies. I had the action plans from coaching sessions. But I didn’t do the work—and now my direct report falls short of expectations.”

His story mirrors a silent epidemic in leadership development:

The 85% Gap

Research shows 85% of coaching impact evaporates without consistent action (International Coaching Federation). Yet we keep chasing “aha moments” while ignoring the unsexy truth: Insight without implementation is self-deception.

Here’s what the data—and my client’s disappointment and regret—reveal about bridging the gap:

1️⃣ The Myth of “Someday” Execution

The leader’s fatal assumption:

“I’ll coach my subordinates someday or when I have free time.”

But “someday” or “free time” is a hallucination.

• His skipped sessions created a 6-month leadership vacuum.
• The employee interpreted silence as indifference.
• The CEO interpreted missed goals as incompetence.

Possible Solutions:

• Treat coaching like payroll—non-negotiable and calendarized.
• Use “micro-actions”: 15-minute weekly check-ins rather than 2-hour monthly marathons

2️⃣ Accountability Isn’t Cruel—It’s Kind

The leader’s avoided tough conversations to “be supportive.” Result?

• Unclear expectations ➔ Missed KPIs
• Delayed feedback ➔ Eroded trust

What Works:

• The 4:1 Rule: For every 4 supportive comments, give 1 growth-oriented “nudge”

Example:
“Your strategic thinking is exceptional (supportive). To maximize impact, let’s tighten project timelines (growth-oriented nudge).”

3️⃣ Regret Prevention > Motivation

Neuroscience confirms: We remember unmet commitments 3x longer than completed tasks (Nature Communications).

The leader’s real cost wasn’t lost revenue—it was:

• Damaged self-trust (“I failed them”)
• Team skepticism (“Is development just lip service?”)

Build Anti-Regret Systems:

• Public commitments: Share goals with your trusted peer.
• Progress tracking: Visual dashboards > vague intentions

The Bridge Builder’s Toolkit

For Coaches:

• Replace “What did you learn?” with “What will you do differently by Friday?”
• Ask about your client’s “accountability partner”.

For Leaders:

• Schedule coaching sessions as CEO-level meetings (because they are)
• Measure growth in behaviors, not just outcomes:
  Before: “Improve communication”
  After: “Have 2 one-on-one coaching sessions per month.”

The Uncomfortable Question

What if your team’s stagnation isn’t about their potential—but your inactions?

Self-Audit:

• Have you set the clear expectations with your subordinates?
• How many coaching sessions have you had with your subordinates in the past weeks or months?
• What were the outcomes of those sessions?

Final Thought: Action Is the Antidote to Arrogance

We judge ourselves by our insights. The world judges us by our actions and impact.

Your Action:

Open your calendar. Right now, block one 15-minute slot to act on a coaching insight you’ve been ignoring. Not tomorrow. Not after “when you have free time.” Because your free time will never come!!! (if you don’t schedule it in your calendar)

Because the cost of inaction will always outweigh the discomfort of starting.

If you need a trusted coach as your accountability partner, then let’s talk.

About Atip Muangsuwan: Atip Muangsuwan is the Founder & CEO of The Best Coach International Co., Ltd. He is a CEO & UHNWI Coach, Certified Mentor & Supervisor for global executive coaches, Holistic Life Transformation Expert, Business & Life Strategist, and Corporate Facilitator/Trainer. With a proven track record of helping clients achieve their career goals and job promotions, Atip is dedicated to supporting individuals in their personal and professional growth.