The Uncomfortable Truth: Why Team Coaching Needs to Get Real

Let’s talk about truth in teams. Not the polished, politically correct version that tiptoes around discomfort, but the kind of truth that lives beneath the surface—unspoken, unacknowledged, and often unnamed until someone gives it a voice.

In team coaching, when we create a vehicle for anonymity—an honest channel for what’s really going on—a world of narratives can emerge. These stories can be shocking, even jarring. Some may view them as unprofessional, others might find them offensive. But here’s the thing: truth disrupts—and that disruption doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Truth left unspoken doesn’t disappear. It doesn’t sit quietly. Instead, it works its way through the team via subtle psychological exchanges—glances, silences, offhand remarks, simmering tension. This is the realm of ulterior communication, a concept grounded in transactional analysis. For those of us who coach teams, this is where the real work begins.

The hidden dynamics are already shaping your workplace culture—often more powerfully than any mission statement. That’s why team coaching is such a powerful intervention. It offers a container—one that’s strong enough to hold the heat when truth finally enters the room.

And yes, it can get hot.

When team members feel safe enough to share differing perspectives, to lay down offenses, and to speak what has long been unspoken, the space can feel charged. But this charge is not chaos—it’s potential. It’s the fire through which a team can be refined.

Real conversations, when held in a psychologically safe space, don’t tear teams apart. They do the opposite. They build insight, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen cohesion.

The result? A team that’s done “the work.” A team that knows how to reflect, to receive feedback, and to navigate conflict with emotional intelligence. A team that knows how to shine.

Because here’s the truth: a fire without containment is destructive. But within the right space, it’s a thing of beauty.

At Intentional Steps, we know the power of well-facilitated team coaching. That’s why it’s a core part of the DAWWN programme—our approach to embedding workplace wellbeing through coaching and development. We help teams have the necessary conversations—the ones that shift dynamics, enhance culture, and unlock potential.

Is your organisation bold enough to get real?

If you’re ready to explore the power of team coaching, book an enquiry call with us. We’ll take the time to understand your current challenges and build a bespoke programme that meets your needs.

Book your enquiry call here.