• He provided a nonjudgmental and non-threatening space for me.
• He showed immense faith & confidence during the times when I myself lost all faith in me.
• His timely inputs/guidance in terms of raising my awareness level about the consequences of my actions has always helped me to make the right decision.

Let me share a personal story here..

Like most of the students, I was never interested in studies, especially mathematics. Then, I met someone who introduced the subject to me in such a way that I developed a great passion for it, and in 3 months I started teaching the basic concepts to students below my grade. And, within a year, I started tutoring mathematics. 

I now realize that the transformation was all because of that one person who patiently helped me understand the fundamentals of the subject.

I taught mathematics for nearly six years of my early career. Interestingly, from being a person who was once so scared of even the word-mathematics, I not only taught the subject to others, but later one of my students gained as high as 96% in mathematics at CBSE Board Exam in India. 

Later, I became a teacher at a private school and inspired by that one person, I decided to help others and moved to training & consulting.

My relationship with my Guru/Coach was not only limited to mathematics, he always acted as a sounding board to me. I have shared almost every episode of my life, be it personal or professional, small or big, everything. The best part is that he has never ever judged or doubted my potential. After so many years of our association, I believe that he was born for me, to be there consistently for me, and with amazingly good amount of patience, dealt with me like gardner treats a sapling. 

I know there are times when life treats us with challenges that we find so difficult to manage that we end up in a trash can, and I am no exception either. However, luckily I have had someone around me that has always reached into the trash can and piece me back and make me whole again. That’s beauty of a great coach.

In an interview with TOI, Saina Nehwal shared that she even thought of quitting last year due to a series of poor performances but Vimal, her Coach, came as a saviour and instilled confidence and self belief in her.

An article in the ‘Times of India’ (TOI) reported, “World Championship silver medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal feels her decision to change base to Bangalore under Vimal Kumar’s tutelage turned out to be a masterstroke.”

Furthermore, Saina said, “It was a move from Hyderabad but I did it because I wanted to improve and I think it was a good decision. Vimal Sir’s influence is the biggest change. I really want to thank him for spending so much time with me in the court and making me believe everyday that I am a champion, I can be number one.”

Saina is surely a great player, however, I think everybody has the potential to be a great player like her, be it the court or office. All one needs is a coach like ‘Vimal’ who believes in the coachee and motivates her/him to work hard. The one who doesn’t give up rather holds a sacred space for you to discover what you truly are!! 

Do you provide the sacred space to someone?? or Do you have someone to hold the sacred space for you??

For more information about becoming a certified Executive/Life Coach as well as other coaching interventions, write to me at hemant@creativeheads.co 

The article is inspired by a quote by Michelangelo:

“I saw an angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”