When it comes to attitude in leadership development, mindset is a key driver of results. New research from Optify shows a clear and measurable link between how leaders enter a coaching program and what they gain from it.
Leaders who start their coaching journey feeling excited and committed report 29% higher program impact and rate their coaches’ effectiveness 20% higher than those who enter with lower commitment levels.
The data is clear: belief drives better results.
The Power of Positive Expectation
In our analysis of over 350+ coaching participants, we grouped leaders by their initial level of “excitement” about their program. The results revealed a striking pattern:
- Highly excited participants (8–10 out of 10) gave their programs an average Program NPS of 9.3 and showed the strongest gains in skills like goal setting, communication, and team engagement.
- Moderately excited participants (6–7) reported lower—but still positive—results, with Program NPS dropping to 8.2.
- Low-excitement participants (1–5) consistently lagged behind, with a Program NPS of 7.1 and lower ratings across every outcome, from personal productivity to retention impact.
The difference isn’t just statistical—it’s practical. Leaders who believe coaching will make a difference are more likely to engage fully, practice what they learn, and apply new skills in real time.
Why Mindset Shapes Measurable Outcomes
When it comes to coaching, how leaders show up matters as much as the program itself.
Optify’s research reveals a powerful truth: participants who entered coaching feeling excited and optimistic reported 29% higher impact and 20% greater effectiveness than those who began with doubt. They were also 18% more likely to say coaching made them more successful at work.
Why? Because belief fuels engagement. Leaders who expect growth lean in. They embrace feedback, practice new skills, and turn insights into action. Those who enter with skepticism, on the other hand, often hold back. In short, mindset doesn’t just influence the experience; it shapes the results.
How Organizations Can Help
The good news? Organizations have the power to spark the right mindset before coaching even begins. Framing coaching as a privilege—not a performance fix—sets a positive tone from the start.
Celebrate coaching as an investment in leaders’ growth, share stories of transformation, and connect the program to meaningful business outcomes. Back this with visible executive sponsorship and clear goals, and you shift how leaders see themselves: not as participants checking a box, but as change-makers stepping into a pivotal growth opportunity.
When excitement is built in from day one, coaching moves from “another program” to a catalyst for lasting leadership impact. By intentionally cultivating a positive mindset, organizations can lay the foundation for stronger coaching outcomes and lasting leadership growth.
The Bottom Line
Mindset matters—and the data proves it. By fostering excitement and belief in coaching from the very beginning, organizations can unlock significantly greater impact for their leaders, their teams, and their business.
Are you ready to help your leaders start strong? Optify can help you get started.
