Beyond Advice: The Transformative Magic of Coaching

By Vasu Ramachandran

They say the cosmos is the ultimate Guru, it teaches us everything through various experiences. Guru as the term connotes is the one who removes the darkness (ignorance) and bestows light (wisdom and knowledge). A true Guru initiates the student to realize ones true potential. The tenets of coaching, the topic of this blog, stems from this ancient concept.

The usual method of conversational exchange is to hear someone’s challenges and subsequently offer a solution via advice. This approach works in many scenarios but fails to deter a systemic problem with a long term solution. An advice is tactical and does not address the root issue. It’s a topical ointment like the skin cream, works for some time but in many cases the problem resurfaces. The right approach to solving problems is to have a strategic plan that is aimed to transform the system, identify the current potential and highlight the intrinsic glitches. Coaching is a transformative engagement in today’s world of challenges which provides a path to sustained growth, resolves chronic disability and is a game changer as experienced by many.

At its core, coaching is a collaborative partnership between a coach and a client that aims to unlock the client’s potential to reach their desired goals. It’s about empowering the client to find their own answers, rather than providing it to them like when one is advised. A coach is a guide who asks powerful questions, offers insightful perspectives, and holds one accountable for progress. It’s not about telling someone what to do (that’s more like consulting or mentoring), nor is it about healing past wounds (that’s the realm of therapy). Coaching is future-focused, action-oriented, and centered on bridging the gap between where one is now and where one wants to be.

Historically there are some great examples where elements of coaching were used in transforming great personalities who were on the path to deliver something that the world had not yet seen. The Greek Philosopher Aristotle, who was the tutor/teacher/mentor/coach for Alexander the great instilled rational thinking and ethics in the emperor. The Roman emperor Julius Ceaser taught everything to his nephew Octavius who helped restore Glory to Rome. Acharya Chanakya shepherded his pupil Chandragupta Maurya to dethrone the Mauryan king and establish himself as a just ruler. Suffice to say, it might be very difficult to make it big without a coach by your side.

Several key principles make coaching so effective. Firstly, it’s deeply client-centric, recognizing that one holds the answers within oneself. The coach’s role is to draw those answers out through powerful questioning and active listening, creating a safe space for exploration. This approach resonates very closely with the methods used by sages and spiritual leaders in India’s past who evoked human transformation among their pupils via deep spiritual questioning, reflecting thinking, and meditation  leading to enlightenment. In today’s world the coach and the client together define clear goals and develop actionable plans to achieve them. A good coach will also provide accountability, supporting one in staying on track, and ultimately empowering one to believe in ones own capabilities.

The benefits of coaching are far-reaching. On a personal level, coaching can lead to increased self-awareness, improved confidence, better work-life balance, and enhanced decision-making skills. Professionally, it can result in career advancement, improved leadership abilities, enhanced communication, and greater job satisfaction. For organizations, coaching can foster a culture of growth, improve employee engagement, boost performance, and facilitate smoother change management.”

The beauty of coaching lies in its adaptability. One will find coaches specializing in various areas, from life coaching to help one find more fulfillment, to executive coaching focused on leadership development, career coaching to navigate ones professional path, and even health and wellness coaching to support ones well-being. Then there are organizations that offer  peer coaching for impacting peoples work life, though they call it peer counseling but the principles are built from evidence-based and effective coaching methods. 

Coaching is not just for those who are struggling but also for anyone who is ambitious, curious, and committed to personal or professional growth. Whether one is looking to achieve a specific goal, overcome a challenge, enhance ones skills, or simply gain more clarity and direction, coaching can provide the support and structure one needs to thrive.

Coaching is more than just a conversation; it’s a powerful partnership that empowers one to unlock ones potential, achieve ones goals, and create meaningful change in one’s life or career. By focusing on ones strengths, facilitating self-discovery, and providing unwavering support, coaching offers a unique pathway to growth and fulfillment. So step out and experience the transformative power of coaching for yourself.