Like many people this January, I decided to join a gym as part of my New Year’s resolutions. As I sweated through my first few sessions, I couldn’t help but notice how different instructors ran their classes. It got me thinking:

What can leaders learn from how gym coaches lead?

Here are the 3 types of gym leaders I observed:

Instructor 1: The Frustrated Perfectionist
The first instructor was clearly experienced but let frustration take over. They barked corrections at the class, visibly annoyed when participants struggled to follow instructions. The energy in the room felt tense, and instead of inspiring people to improve, the class felt disheartened.

🤔 Leadership through criticism alone doesn’t work. It creates a fear-driven environment where people shut down instead of stepping up.

Instructor 2: The Friendly Cheerleader
The second instructor smiled, warmly introduced themselves, and chatted with the participants. But once the class began, chaos erupted. Weights swung wildly, people looked confused, and safety was not a priority. While the vibe was friendly, it lacked the structure for real progress.

🤔 While positivity is crucial, leadership also requires clear direction and accountability. Without it, enthusiasm quickly fizzles out.

Instructor 3: The Effective Leader
Another type of team coach struck the perfect balance. They began by welcoming the class, setting a clear structure, and creating a fun, energetic atmosphere. Everyone felt engaged and invested in doing their best, not just for themselves but for the group.

As the class progressed, they kept the energy high with encouragement while giving clear instructions. They even addressed individual issues. Take Johnny, who was swinging his gym weights dangerously. The instructor didn’t scold him. Instead, they made eye contact, demonstrated the correct technique, and even positioned themselves directly in front of Johnny, modelling the movement while addressing the entire team. Eventually, Johnny got it, and the group cheered them on.

🤔 Great leaders inspire through a combination of energy, structure, and personal connection. They model the behaviours they want to see and adapt to the needs of their team without singling anyone out negative