I recently listened to a TED Talk by Atul Gawande, a surgeon, in which he addressed the question of how professionals can improve at their craft. Gawande argued that having experience, skill, and talent is not enough on its own; one also needs a coach, citing the way that athletes improve under the guidance of a coach. This made me think about my own experiences as a professional cricketer, and how certain coaches shaped my career and personal development.
When I was at the height of my cricket career (2014-2016), I was greatly influenced by one coach in particular. The hard work we put in at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria during the winter months included late nights discussing the history, technicalities, and strategy of the sport. As someone who loves learning about the nuances of cricket, I really enjoyed these conversations, even though they were often uncomfortable because my coach was brutally honest about my weaknesses. These exchanges often felt like a sparring match, with competing ideas. This honesty pushed me to learn and improve, and sometimes even to try and prove my coach wrong.
Looking back, I now realize that my coach at the time was one of the best – or at least, he knew how to bring out the best in me. He was always closely observing my behavior on and off the field. One evening, for example, we went to the indoor nets to work on my sweep shot. He watched me closely from a distance for six balls, and then moved in closer – about a meter away – and watched for six more balls. Then he stopped me and said, "Your eyes are not still." When I kept my eyes still, my shot improved significantly. Many coaches might tell you to keep your head still, but this coach noticed a specific detail that made a big difference.
As I've had more time away from the game, I've come to understand the value of having a coach who is fully invested in your professional development and growth. I believe that if I had been more intentional about seeking out my coach's guidance, I might have had the opportunity to represent South Africa. For example, I once invited my coach to observe a team training session because I had just had two poor games and felt I needed his input. He watched and then told me, "Everything looks really good. You need to compartmentalize your leadership, academic, and other issues. When the game starts, you should only be thinking about cricket." The next game, I scored 150+. In hindsight, I realize that I needed my coach's guidance more than I cared to admit at the time, and I should have been more proactive in seeking it out.
If you not into sport simply imagine inviting your coach to your workplace, and you instantly realize how much courage and intentionality is required. Of course, it may not be possible for every job, but the principle still applies. It is one thing to have a team coach or manager at work. But the fundamental differentiator between good and great, is who is invested in your personal professional development in an intimate way? In other words, who is your trusted advisor, motivator, and sounding board - to help you achieve your full potential by providing guidance, support, and accountability.
The value of a coach to professionals cannot be overstated. Whether you are an athlete, a business/society leader, or simply looking to make a change in your life, a coach can help you reach your full potential and achieve your goals. So if you are considering hiring a coach for 2023 and beyond, don't hesitate – the benefits are well worth the investment.