Leadership often looks easier from the outside than it feels from within. People see the meetings, decisions, achievements, and responsibilities, but they do not always see the pressure behind the role.

Many leaders carry significant expectations. They are expected to support their teams, solve problems quickly, manage uncertainty, and remain confident even when they are navigating difficult situations themselves.

Having a place to reflect is not a weakness. In fact, it is often one of the strongest habits a leader can develop.

A one on one coaching session creates that space. It gives leaders the opportunity to step away from daily demands and explore how they think, communicate, make decisions, and respond to challenges.

At Ursula Crilly, leadership coaching is focused on helping leaders develop greater self-awareness and create meaningful change. With over 20 years of experience working alongside leaders in high-pressure environments, including airlines, global organisations, and fast-moving corporate settings, Ursula understands the realities of leading when expectations are high.

Her approach is grounded, practical, and human. She does not believe leaders need to be fixed because people are not broken. Instead, she helps leaders understand their patterns, rebuild self-trust, and develop ways of leading that protect both their effectiveness and wellbeing.

Why Do Leaders Need Dedicated Coaching Support?

Many leaders spend years developing their professional expertise, but leadership itself requires a different type of growth.

A person may become an expert in their field and still face challenges when they begin managing people, influencing teams, or handling conflict. Leadership requires emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to understand different perspectives.

This is where coaching becomes valuable.

A coach provides a confidential environment where leaders can think openly without needing to have all the answers. They can discuss challenges they may not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere and explore different ways of approaching situations.

Sometimes, the biggest leadership improvements come from simply having the time and space to reflect.

A leader may discover that they are not struggling because they lack ability. They may simply be operating from old habits that no longer support their current responsibilities.

What Makes a One on One Coaching Session Different?

A one on one coaching session is designed around one individual and their specific leadership journey.

Unlike general leadership workshops, where the content must meet the needs of an entire group, individual coaching allows conversations to go deeper. The focus is not on teaching a standard formula for leadership. It is about understanding what works for that particular person.

During a session, leaders can explore their current challenges, goals, relationships, and behaviours.

For example, a senior leader might want to improve communication with their team. Another may want to become more confident when making difficult decisions. Someone else may be trying to manage pressure without allowing work responsibilities to affect their personal life.

Each situation requires a different approach.

The value of individual coaching comes from creating a process that responds to the leader rather than expecting the leader to fit into a fixed programme.

Understanding One on One vs Group Coaching

When comparing one on one vs group coaching, the main difference comes down to personalisation and shared learning.

Group coaching allows several leaders to participate together. It can create valuable conversations because participants can share experiences, learn from each other, and realise that many leadership challenges are common.

For developing general leadership skills or building connections with other professionals, group coaching can be very effective.

However, group settings also mean attention is divided. A participant may have a specific challenge, but the conversation may need to move forward based on the needs of the wider group.

One on one coaching offers a more personalised experience. The entire conversation is focused on one leader’s situation, allowing deeper exploration of personal behaviours, challenges, and goals.

For executives and senior professionals dealing with complex decisions, confidential matters, or major transitions, individual coaching often provides the depth needed for meaningful progress.

The right choice depends on what the leader needs at that stage of their development.

How Self-Awareness Improves Leadership Effectiveness

Many leadership challenges are connected to patterns that leaders may not immediately recognise.

For example, some leaders naturally move quickly toward solutions and may unintentionally overlook the importance of listening. Others may avoid conflict because they value harmony, but this can sometimes prevent important conversations from happening.

Self-awareness allows leaders to notice these patterns and make conscious choices.

Ursula uses proven leadership frameworks, emotional intelligence, and the SDI model to help leaders understand what drives their behaviour. This deeper understanding helps leaders improve communication, manage conflict more effectively, and build stronger relationships.

The goal is not to change someone’s personality.

It is about helping leaders understand themselves well enough to use their natural strengths more effectively.

Turning Leadership Insight Into Practical Action

One of the biggest benefits of coaching is that it connects reflection with real-world application.

Leadership development is not only about understanding concepts. It is about applying those insights during everyday moments.

A conversation with an employee. A difficult decision. A challenging meeting. A moment of pressure.

These are the situations where leadership habits become visible.

Through coaching, leaders can identify practical steps they can take immediately. Over time, these small adjustments create stronger communication, healthier relationships, and more confident decision-making.

Ursula’s approach focuses on creating sustainable change rather than temporary motivation.

Building Leadership That Feels Authentic

The most effective leaders are not those who copy someone else’s style. They are those who understand themselves and lead in a way that feels genuine.

For Ursula, leadership is not about power or position. It is about presence, how people feel around you, and the culture you create when no one is watching.

A leader’s influence is shaped by everyday actions. The way they communicate. The way they handle pressure. The way they support others.

A one on one coaching session provides the opportunity to strengthen these areas with honesty and intention.

Leadership growth is not about becoming perfect. It is about becoming more aware, more confident, and more aligned with the leader you want to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a one on one coaching session support leadership growth?

A one on one coaching session provides personalised guidance focused on a leader’s specific challenges, goals, and behaviours. It helps individuals develop self-awareness and create practical strategies for improving their leadership approach.

Which is better: one on one vs group coaching?

The choice depends on individual needs. Group coaching is useful for shared learning and collaboration, while one on one coaching provides deeper personal attention and confidentiality. Leaders with complex challenges often benefit from individual coaching.

Can coaching help experienced senior leaders?

Yes. Even highly experienced leaders benefit from coaching because leadership challenges continue to evolve. Coaching provides space for reflection, improved decision-making, stronger communication, and continued professional growth.