Sink or Swim: The Game-Changing Truth About Coaching in Pakistan

By Madiha Yaseen

When you think of coaching, what comes to mind? Perhaps a sports coach shouting instructions from the sidelines or a life guru promising to fix all your problems. In Pakistan’s corporate world, the concept of coaching often stirs similar images—someone handing you a playbook, complete with all the solutions, while you sit back and watch.

But that’s not coaching. Not even close.

Coaching, whether on the field or in the boardroom, isn’t about being told what to do. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of—and how to make it happen. Let’s dive deeper, quite literally.

The Coach in the Deep End

Imagine you’re learning to swim. The shallow end is safe; you practice your kicks and strokes under the watchful eyes of your coach. But then comes the deep end.

“Jump,” says your coach, standing at the pool’s edge.

You hesitate. Surely, they’ll jump in if you falter? But they don’t. Instead, they call out reminders: “Remember your breathing! Keep your strokes steady!” Terrified, you flail—but then something remarkable happens. You realize you can swim.

That’s the essence of coaching. It’s not about rescuing you but about equipping you to rescue yourself. Corporate coaching works the same way. A coach doesn’t solve problems for you—they guide you to use the tools you already have, even when the waters feel overwhelming.

Why Coaching Isn’t a Quick Fix

In sports, the coach isn’t the one scoring goals—they’re the strategist, the motivator, the one who sharpens potential. Imagine telling a cricket coach, “Why don’t you just hit the sixes yourself?” Absurd, right? Yet, in corporate coaching, people often expect just that.

Coaching isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about the journey to understanding yourself—your strengths, your blind spots, and the patterns that hold you back. This process, while challenging, is transformative.

According to Gallup, people who engage in effective coaching are 70% more likely to sustain growth. Why? Because they’ve been empowered to own their journey rather than rely on someone else to navigate it for them.        

Breaking Myths, One Dive at a Time

In Pakistan, coaching is often misunderstood. Here are some common myths and the truths that debunk them:

• Myth: A coach will give me all the answers.

Truth: A coach will ask the right questions, helping you uncover the answers yourself.

• Myth: Coaching is for underperformers.

Truth: Coaching is for anyone ready to grow, from entry-level professionals to senior leaders.

• Myth: Coaching is therapy in disguise.

Truth: Therapy looks to the past; coaching builds the future.

The Ripple Effect of Coaching Leaders

A great coach doesn’t just guide individuals—they transform teams. In today’s fast-paced corporate world, leaders must do more than direct; they must inspire, empower, and coach their teams to think critically and act decisively.

Think of a lifeguard who saves every struggling swimmer—they’d be exhausted, and the swimmers would never learn. A leader-coach knows when to step back, letting their team navigate challenges while providing support and guidance.        

This ripple effect creates organizations where creativity thrives, resilience flourishes, and employees feel trusted to take risks. According to HBR, coaching-led cultures see 30% higher team engagement, fostering environments where teams don’t just work—they thrive.

Are You Ready to Jump?

The beauty of coaching is that it’s not about the coach—it’s about you. The only question is: are you ready to trust yourself enough to take the leap?

Much like standing at the edge of the deep end, coaching feels uncomfortable at first. But as you dive into the process, you realize it’s not about staying afloat—it’s about learning to swim confidently, no matter how deep the waters get.

And that’s the magic of coaching. It doesn’t just prepare you for challenges—it transforms you into someone who thrives in them.

So, are you ready to dive in? The tools are already in your hands.

About the Author

Madiha Yaseen , Learning Design and Communication Lead at Learning Minds, is a passionate storyteller and content strategist with a flair for transforming complex ideas into captivating narratives. With a background in marketing and HR, and over 4 years of experience in communication, she draws inspiration from her love of literature to craft content that informs, inspires, and engages. Beyond the professional realm, Madiha Yaseen is a bibliophile who believes in the transformative power of words to shape perspectives and drive meaningful change.