Winston Churchill once said: ”Never let a good crisis go to waste”. It is a quote that can feel both inspiring and challenging, especially if you as a leader are in the midst of a crisis. For how do you actually see the opportunity when the problems feel overwhelming, your energy is at its lowest, and the pressure for results is higher than ever?

This is where coaching comes in as a powerful resource – to help you not only manage the crisis but also grow as a leader through it.

The crisis as a catalyst for change

Crisis is often a word we associate with chaos, stress, and lack of control. But there is another side to the coin: Crises force change. They create an opportunity to pause, evaluate what truly matters, and make decisions that can reshape your team, your organization – and yourself.

So how can you use a crisis to become stronger and create long-term success? Let's look at three principles where coaching can support you in living up to Churchill's wise words.

1. Take the opportunity to reassess and focus on what matters most

A crisis reveals what is not working. It shows which processes, relationships, or mindsets may have been ineffective or insufficient.

• Coaching perspective: By reflecting together with a coach, you can identify what truly matters. Which goals are worth keeping? Which ones is it time to let go of?
• Questions to ask yourself:
  • What has the crisis taught me about myself as a leader?
  • What changes can I make to become more effective and sustainable in my work?

2. Develop your team through openness and courage

In crises, there often arises a tension between wanting to protect the team from stress and simultaneously needing to demand a lot from them. Here, as a leader, you have a unique opportunity to build trust and create a shared path forward.

• Coaching perspective: Coaching helps you balance clarity and empathy, so you can communicate openly with your team without losing leadership.
• Questions to reflect on:
  • How can I use this crisis to strengthen collaboration within the team?
  • What conversations do I need to have to build trust and a shared vision?

3. Use the crisis for your own growth

A crisis can feel like a setback, but it is also an opportunity for personal development. When everything is put to the test, you get a chance to explore new aspects of your leadership and develop an even stronger foundation.

• Coaching perspective: A coach serves as a sounding board that helps you see your strengths, identify new strategies, and develop leadership that endures – even in future storms.
• Questions to ponder:
  • What can I learn about my own leadership during this period?
  • How can I prepare myself for similar challenges in the future?

When the storm has passed – how do you want to remember your leadership?

Churchill's quote reminds us that crises, no matter how difficult they are, also present opportunities. The question is not whether crises will arise – but how you choose to use them. Coaching can provide you with the space and support you need to turn the crisis into a catalyst for something greater.

👉 Are you ready to face your crisis with new insights and tools?
Book a free introductory call with me here so we can discuss how you can turn challenges into growth. Together, we can create a plan for how you will lead, grow, and succeed – even when the winds are strongest. Let's prove that Churchill was right: A good crisis is too valuable to waste.