CUT THE CRAP...INCISIVE LESSON FROM A COACH - ALTAF

“IS THAT ALL THIS PERSON DID? YOU WERE LUCKY. I WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE SEVERE.”





And with those incisive words followed by a stare, Altaf moved away! I was left shaking……Looking back it was clear that I first needed to be jolted. When I followed up with him, the wisdom he so forcefully communicated slowly dawned upon me.

Ever so often in you life, you respect, trust and like someone well enough that you simply just HAVE to be authentic! No BS, no PC, no playing games, but just be yourself. Actually, you don’t have a choice. Just being in their presence makes you drop all pretences.

Do you have someone like that in your life? I hope you do.

I first saw Altaf Shaik a year ago as I began my coach certification program. Actually, that does not capture it well. Altaf saw right through me. I can’t recall ever feeling so exposed in the very first encounter with him. His piercing eyes are truly a window to his soul – a reservoir of courage, commitment, authenticity and zero compromise with principles.

We all need role models to lift and inspire us. Altaf did that and more….leading by example, he challenged us to drop pretences and the masks we wear and operate from absolute authenticity. As a key faculty of the Coaching For Transformation faculty, he kept us very real and grounded. I indeed cherish my learnings from him…I have miles to go to embody these values….but its great to have him as an important beacon!

SHAKEN AND STIRRED INDEED!


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