Healthy at Head & Heart through Coaching By Dr. Ajai Kumar Bajpai

The profound definition of Coaching is partnering with clients in creative & thought-provoking conversation that inspires them to enhance their potential (both professional & personal). Coaching encompasses with high level of emotional intelligence, an understanding of the role of the heart in the decision-making process along a powerful alignment of the Head and heart.

“Be present, Be compassionate & Be curious”; three vital aspects of the Coaching world are proven highly effective in developing mindful leaders in the corporate world. Also, interesting observation through medical test data indicates that these aspects lead to a healthy lifestyle as well.

?1. Be present

The ability to detach temporarily from our surroundings and to check in with ourselves allows us to be present. How do I feel right now? What do I need? What might others need from me? We notice our physical sensations connect "Below the Neck" to move out of the headspace for a time, meaning bring “No knowledge” into the conversation.

Additionally, taking time out to be present allows us to reflect on who we are, and how we are doing to affirm our strengths, accept our blind spots, and develop a trustworthy relationship with the client during the entire coaching conversation. This self-awareness is a springboard for personal and professional growth as a leader to “Inspire & Aspire”.

?2. Be compassionate

?The ability to be empathetic, step into another’s shoes and understand their feelings, values, and viewpoints is central to building trust and rapport in any working relationship. In terms of employee well-being and morale, psychological safety is a hot topic. Interestingly, the more self-compassion we allow ourselves to feel, the greater compassion we can offer others.

We use our deep listening skills, open-question techniques, and non-judgmental. Leaders have an excellent ability to influence the actions of others leading to superior performance in a trustworthy environment. We collaborate passionately and defensiveness is diffused by asking powerful open-ended questions rather than telling & showing active concern for individuals’ feelings and viewpoints.

?3. Be curious

?We are trained to be comfortable with not knowing and to encourage our clients to generate their own ideas, goals, and course of action. Research has shown that people are less likely to commit to change when following others’ advice versus having their own epiphany.

?The heart allows us to connect better with ourselves and others to influence us in figuring- out and accomplishing our “Purpose in Life”.

?In current times of Artificial Intelligence and Smartphones, where technology is driving our lives to a near-constant flux, the vision of Healthy Head & Heart is to restore the balance between Head, Heart, and Being through a holistic and multidimensional approach to well-being.

I enrolled in the Associate Certified Coach (Level 1) program in Jun 2023. In addition to the great learning experience, I did lots of self-reflection and self-rinsing during this period of 4 months. I invited my wife and daughter to support me in making the shift in becoming a Coach which eventually led to a highly positive ambiance at home. Just to share some medical test data regarding our Journey towards Transformation; we (myself & my wife) have signed up to complete a body check once in 3 months for the past 2 years seeking valuable feedback on our health parameters there were gaps viz, cholesterol, diabetics, HbA1c, etc.

Our family doctor was curious to know, which are our actions/ changes in recent times that both mine & my wife’s medical test report dated 28 Sep 2023, is clear of any gaps. We discussed the details and figured- out that the only change in our lifestyle is “Coaching and the shift in our Approach” in the past 4 months period. We understand this is only 2 data points to consider, however, is surely a strong indicator to examine the positive impact of Coaching on wellbeing.

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