What is the coaching style where decision-making is shared between the coach and participants?

• A. Cooperative
• B. Autocratic
• C. Laissez-faire
• D. Democratic

Answer: (A)

Shared decision-making between the coach and participants is the hallmark of a cooperative coaching style. In this approach, the coach invites input from participants on goals, exercise selection, intensity, and progression, and then collaborates to plan and adjust the program. This partnership builds ownership, boosts motivation, and lets the program be tailored to individual needs while still keeping professional guidance and safety at the forefront.

This fits best because the essence is shared planning and mutual responsibility rather than the coach dictating every detail or participants leading with little guidance. The autocratic style has the coach making decisions alone, the laissez-faire style leaves participants to steer with minimal direction, and while democratic involves participant input, it often centers on group voting rather than ongoing collaboration with the coach’s expertise guiding the process.