Understanding Human Psychology

Critical thinking isn’t about rejecting authority or doubting everything—it’s about approaching information with a curious and open mind. The moment we start challenging our starting points, we open ourselves to growth, change, and new possibilities. I remember a coaching session where a client was frustrated with his team. He felt they weren’t proactive and constantly needed direction. “They just don’t take ownership,” he said. Instead of agreeing or offering a quick solution, I asked, “What assumptions are you making about their behavior?” At first, he was puzzled. But as we explored further, he realized he had assumed his team lacked initiative because they didn’t care. In reality, they were hesitant because they feared making mistakes. This shift in perspective changed everything. Instead of being frustrated, he saw an opportunity to create a safe space for his team to take risks and grow. Next time you feel stuck, ask yourself: What assumptions am I making here? You might be surpr...

  In a recent coaching conversation, we delved into the topic of taking credit for one’s work. My coachee—a talented professional—was struggling with this. He often downplayed his contributions or framed his achievements as “something the team did together.” While collaboration is important, I could see that his hesitation to own his impact was holding him back. I asked him, “What are you hesitant about when it comes to taking credit for what you’ve accomplished? What are you afraid of?” After some reflection, he admitted that he didn’t want to come across as arrogant or overshadow his team. But we both knew that by avoiding acknowledgment, he was diluting his voice and value. Do not dilute your message by saying we just to show you are a team player. By the end of the session, he committed to one action: the next time he presented results, he would confidently own his role in driving them. In our follow-up session, his feedback was striking. This small change became a game...