Understanding Human Psychology

 When someone tells me “you can’t do it,” something stirs deep inside me. I don’t take it as a defeat.   I take it as a challenge.   Almost like a silent voice within says, “Watch me.” But as I reflected more, I realized — what is the inner message behind such a statement?   Maybe it's not really about me.   Maybe it’s about someone else’s fear, their limited view, or their need to control.   This thought became even deeper during a recent coaching conversation.   One of my coachees shared something that really stayed with me. They said, “I grew up doing everything the way authority figures told me to. I would please everyone, seeking validation constantly. It’s so deeply rooted in me that even today, I can't do anything without needing someone’s approval. If I don't get it, I feel anxious.” Hearing them say that, I paused.   It made me wonder:   How often, even as parents, teachers, and adults, do we u...

  Today, I want to share a little story about my child and how I’m seeing her grow up in the most beautiful way. Recently, I’ve noticed how curious she has become. She asks so many questions — “What is this?”, “What are you doing?”, “What is happening?” Her questions come from a place of pure curiosity, wanting to understand everything around her. When she’s playing and building her own little stories, she often asks, “What is the character feeling?” If she’s watching a movie, she notices the emotions too. She’ll say, “Why is this person sad?” or “Did she feel bad when that happened?” She talks about emotions — happiness, sadness, excitement — with such innocence and clarity. What amazes me even more is how she connects emotions with behaviors. She notices things adults do — in the kitchen, outside, or even while handling something risky — and asks about them too. It’s a reminder of how children grow: through constant engagement, through questions, through wonder. Watching her make...

Coaching isn’t just a separate activity that leaders do occasionally—it’s an essential part of leadership itself. Many leaders see coaching as a structured process, something that happens in scheduled sessions. But in reality, coaching is a skill that should be used daily, just like decision-making or communication. Most of the leaders in my organisation, have coachees assigned to them, have regular interactions and coaching connects with them. Glad that my organisation is encouraging this. #ZS Great leaders don’t just check in on their teams to discuss tasks and deadlines; they engage in meaningful coaching conversations. These conversations go beyond work updates—they help employees grow, improve, and feel truly supported. Coaching is about guiding people to find their own solutions rather than just handing them answers.   One of the most valuable aspects of coaching is feedback. When leaders provide continuous, constructive feedback, employees don’t feel blindsided during ...

I recently had a coaching session where the coachee started with a clear request: "I want you to suggest what I should do about X, Y, and Z." They went on listing their concerns, looking at me expectantly. I smiled and gently reminded them, “As I mentioned before, coaching isn’t about giving suggestions. But I will be here with you to explore all these topics.” And so, we began. Through thoughtful questioning and open exploration, we unpacked each of their concerns. I watched as they reflected, dug deeper, and connected the dots in their own way. As the session unfolded, their energy shifted—from seeking advice to discovering their own insights. When we wrapped up, I asked, “What was the value of this session for you?” They took a moment and said, “It was an incredible session! I got so much clarity.” Smiling, I asked, “Did I suggest anything to you at any point?” They paused, then laughed, “Not at all. And yet, it worked like magic!” That moment—seeing the twinkle i...

It was 2018. I was in Bangalore, sitting in one of the city’s famous gardens, lost in thought. I had just been promoted and was on a business trip. My mind was occupied with plans, responsibilities, and the weight of my new role. But then, something unexpected happened—I heard the birds.   Of course, I had heard birds before. But that day, the chirping was different. It wasn’t just background noise; it was soothing, almost musical. Maybe I had never truly listened before. That moment stayed with me, and from that day forward, birds became a symbol of mindfulness for me.   Now, years later, I live in the heart of a bustling city, yet I am fortunate to have a home in a large society where nature still finds a way to thrive. Every morning, as I wake up and open my eyes, the first thing I hear is the symphony of birds outside my window when I wake up. It feels like they are orchestrating a melody. That is a gentle reminder to start the day with calmness and gratitude. It...