Shanti, what would you do if you were in my place?
“Shanti, what would you do if you were in my place?” That was the question a senior leader asked me 25 minutes into a coaching session.
She had just shared her frustration about a difficult team member who resisted feedback, didn’t deliver consistently, and blamed others.
Instead of answering, I asked, “How would you like me to respond?” Surprised, she asked what I meant.
I clarified, “Are you seeking validation that you’ve done all you can and it’s time to let them go? Or are you open to being challenged to explore how you may have unintentionally contributed to this pattern?”
There was a long pause. Then she asked quietly, “Shanti… do you really think it’s me?”
My response? “It doesn’t matter what I think. What matters is what do you want to achieve?”
As coaches, it’s tempting to affirm and empathize... and of course, that has value.
But our true responsibility lies in challenging limiting narratives, in showing the mirror, and in helping clients step into radical ownership.
This session didn’t end with quick wins or easy answers. But it did end with insight, responsibility, and action.
If you’re ready for that kind of growth…the kind that sometimes stings before it strengthens, DM me. Let’s talk.
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