Category: Posts

Former Manchester United football coach, Van Gaal, often emphasized the critical nature of choices his players made in ball possession and field positions. The energy expended and the potential game-changing consequences of incorrect decisions were always at the forefront.

In our daily lives, both personally and professionally, we encounter similar choices. Consider the draining interactions with family or colleagues; often, we’re oblivious to the implicit decisions being made, overshadowed by ingrained habits and negative expectations.

Recently, I had the privilege of leading an HRDC training session for a diverse group of participants. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

The session featured a negotiation case study and a self-assessment of work behaviour. Through group reflection, we dissected how different choices could have led to more favourable negotiation outcomes.

This training is designed to cultivate awareness and practical skills in making conscious choices. I strongly encourage managers to prioritize such training for themselves and their teams. Beyond its practical benefits, my previous group attested to its enjoyable nature.

There may be lessons to be learned for parents, managers, and career/life coaches from reading the book “The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey. This classic book advises less focus on the technique of tennis for beginning player. Having received technical advice can make it hard to even hit a ball for the first time (tennis, padel or golf). The author describes a situation that I have experienced as a tennis teacher myself.

I admit to ‘overteaching’ as a new pro, but one day when I was in a relaxed mood, I began saying less and noticing more. To my surprise, errors that I saw but didn’t mention were correcting themselves without the student ever knowing he had made them. How were these changes happening? Though I found this interesting, it was a little hard on my ego, which didn’t quite see how it was going to get its due credit for the improvements being made. It was an even greater blow when I realized that sometimes my verbal instructions seemed to ‘DECREASE’ the probability of the desired correction occurring.

Gijs van Wezel

As a former tennis coach, this resonates a lot with me. As a professional career/life coach, I have learned over the years that allowing clients to find their own strength can be transformative, whereas advising may, at best, be transactional.

The point is that allowing children, students, managers, and coaching clients to discover their natural way and positively supporting this journey could be more effective than micromanaging.

My grandsons will not receive “overteaching” tennis advice, and I will continue to support my coaching clients through active listening, empowering perspectives, and facilitating growth.

Doubt, in its many forms, can unexpectedly shape our lives, leading to missed opportunities and lingering regrets. This realization struck me profoundly when, around 40, I made a pivotal decision to part ways with my business partners and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Having spent years immersed in the world of entrepreneurship, I found myself suddenly liberated from its pressures, with newfound time for my family and personal passions. Yet, amidst this freedom, I faced the daunting task of reinventing my purpose. The path forward was obscured by well-meaning but unsolicited advice, leaving me yearning for a compassionate, experienced listener to guide me through the tumultuous terrain of self-reflection.

Through introspection and perseverance, clarity gradually emerged. I discovered that my gift for active listening, honed through years of navigating the complexities of business and personal growth, held the potential to empower others in their own journeys. Thus began my transition into life coaching—a role where I could leverage my experiences to help individuals and organizations uncover their authentic selves and embrace their unique contributions to the world.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless individuals and companies, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of coaching and team facilitation. Guiding others as they navigate life’s uncertainties and discover their true passions has become not just a profession, but a deeply fulfilling vocation.

Life coaching is more than guidance; it’s a catalyst for personal and professional evolution. By providing a supportive environment and drawing from my own journey, I empower clients to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, and ultimately, lead lives aligned with their deepest values and aspirations.

In a world where doubt and uncertainty abound, the role of a life coach is invaluable. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life, uncover untapped potential, and create a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.