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Discover Your Coaching Style: Atlas Versus Brolius Self-Check Quiz
- Atlas
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Are you the kind of coach who adapts like an arctic fox, steady and patient, guiding your clients through challenges with resilience? Or do you find yourself more like Brolius, the polar bear, whose coaching style might sometimes cross into toxic territory? If you’re curious about where you stand, this self-check quiz will help you figure out whether you’re an Atlas coach or a Brolius coach. Let’s dive in and explore these two very different coaching archetypes.
What Does It Mean to Be an Atlas Coach?
Atlas coaches embody qualities like resilience, adaptability, patience, and clear direction. Think of the arctic fox, a creature that thrives in harsh environments by being clever, flexible, and calm. An Atlas coach:
Listens carefully to clients’ needs without rushing to judgment
Adjusts strategies based on what works best for each individual
Encourages steady progress, understanding that growth takes time
Provides clear guidance while respecting the client’s pace and limits
For example, if a client struggles with motivation, an Atlas coach might explore underlying causes and suggest small, manageable steps rather than pushing for immediate results. This approach builds trust and long-term success.
Who Is Brolius the Polar Bear Coach?
Brolius represents the toxic coach archetype. Like a polar bear, Brolius can be powerful and intimidating, but sometimes that power turns into pressure or control. A Brolius coach might:
Push clients too hard, ignoring their limits
Use fear or guilt to motivate
Focus on quick fixes rather than sustainable growth
Overlook emotional well-being in favor of results
Imagine a coach who demands perfection and calls out every mistake loudly. While this might spark short bursts of effort, it often leads to burnout or resentment. Brolius coaches might think they’re toughening up their clients, but they risk damaging the coaching relationship.
Take the Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see which coaching style fits you best. Choose the option that feels most like your usual approach.
When a client faces a setback, I usually:
A) Help them understand what happened and adjust the plan calmly.
B) Push them to try harder and not make excuses.
A) Encouraging small wins and celebrating progress.
B) Setting high expectations and pointing out failures.
I believe the best way to motivate clients is by:
If a client feels overwhelmed, I:
A) Slow down and break tasks into smaller steps.
B) Tell them to toughen up and keep going.
A) Building a trusting relationship and adapting to each client.
B) Driving results quickly, no matter what.
My coaching style focuses on:
When a client asks for extra support, I:
A) Listen and provide resources or encouragement.
B) Remind them they need to be responsible for their own success.
Mostly A’s? You’re an Atlas coach. You value resilience and patience, guiding clients like a wise arctic fox through challenges.
Mostly B’s? You lean toward the Brolius style. You might want to check if your tough approach is helping or hurting your clients.
Why Does Coaching Style Matter?
Your coaching style shapes how clients experience growth. Atlas coaches create safe spaces where clients feel supported and understood. This leads to lasting change and stronger relationships. Brolius coaches might see faster results at first, but risk losing clients or causing burnout.
For example, a study of coaching outcomes found that clients who felt emotionally supported were 30% more likely to stick with their goals long-term. That’s the power of an Atlas approach.
How to Shift from Brolius to Atlas
If you recognize some Brolius tendencies in yourself, don’t worry. Changing your style is possible and rewarding. Here are some tips:
Practice empathy: Try to see things from your client’s perspective.
Slow down: Resist the urge to push too hard; focus on steady progress.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.
Ask open questions: Encourage clients to share their feelings and challenges.
Set realistic goals: Help clients set achievable targets that build confidence.
By adopting these habits, you’ll build stronger connections and help clients thrive without pressure.
Final Thoughts
Coaching is a powerful tool, but the way you use it makes all the difference. Are you guiding like Atlas, the adaptable arctic fox, or charging like Brolius, the polar bear? This self-check quiz can help you reflect on your style and make adjustments if needed.
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