I recently signed up with a Coach, Dr. Mani Pavithra, who helps with Video creation and Marketing. This coach helped me identify some major mistakes I used to make in my Instagram and YouTube accounts. I had wasted so many years on getting it right and would have wasted more if I hadn’t signed up with this Coach.
The program helped me with strategies for video recording, which many of us have challenges with. The repeated recording attempts, tips, and techniques shared by the Coach helped me overcome the initial hesitation with video creation. I am continuing this journey as I write this.
In leadership, communication and public speaking, true excellence isn't born overnight—it's forged through dedication, practice, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. This journey towards mastery is what separates good leaders from great ones, and effective communicators from those who truly inspire and influence.
The Essence of Mastery
Mastery isn't just about being good at something; it's about continuous refinement and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As Bruce Lee, the legendary martial artist and philosopher, once said, "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."
This philosophy extends beyond martial arts into every aspect of leadership and communication.
It's about honing your skills day in and day out, even when no one's watching.
The Role of Deliberate Practice
Achieving mastery requires deliberate practice—focused, purposeful efforts to improve specific aspects of your performance.
It's not about going through the motions but about challenging yourself consistently.
Take, for instance, the journey of P.V. Sindhu, India's badminton sensation. Her coach, Pullela Gopichand, once revealed, "Sindhu would be at the academy at 4:15 am and would train till 7 pm. She has worked very hard, and all the hard work is paying off." This level of dedication and focused practice is what propelled her to Olympic glory.
Another example is the legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid, known as "The Wall" for his impenetrable defence. Btw, he is my favorite cricketer! 😊
Dravid was famous for his rigorous practice sessions, often spending hours in the nets perfecting a single shot.
His teammate V.V.S. Laxman once shared, "Rahul would practice for hours until he got a particular shot right. His dedication to perfecting his technique was unparalleled."
In the business world, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and continuous learning. He encourages employees to be "learn-it-alls" rather than "know-it-alls," fostering a culture of constant improvement and deliberate skill development.
The Value of a Coach
While self-study and practice are crucial, having a coach by your side can accelerate your journey to mastery exponentially. A good coach provides personalized feedback, identifies blind spots, and offers strategies that might have taken you years to discover on your own.
Consider the transformation of Virat Kohli under the guidance of his coach Rajkumar Sharma. I have read somewhere that Kohli himself acknowledged that if Rajkumar hadn't recognized his talent, he would have never made it to the Indian team.
A coach doesn't just teach techniques; they nurture potential and shape mindsets.
In the business world, many successful leaders attest to the value of coaching:
1. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, famously said, "Everyone needs a coach. It doesn't matter whether you're a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast, or a bridge player." He credits his coach, Bill Campbell, with helping him become a better leader and manager.
Watch this video where Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt talks about it.
2. Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, has spoken about the importance of mentors and coaches throughout her career. She once stated, "If I hadn't had mentors, I wouldn't be here today. I'm a product of great mentoring and guidance throughout my career."
These examples highlight that even at the pinnacle of success, leaders recognize the invaluable role of coaches in their continued growth and development.
Mastery in Communication
In the realm of communication, mastery goes beyond just conveying information—it's about connecting, influencing, and inspiring.
Warren Buffet, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is widely recognized for his clear and concise communication style. Interestingly, Buffett went through public speaking courses and has mentioned that as one of his career's most important investments.
Despite being naturally introverted, he overcame his fear of public speaking by practicing consistently, learning to distill complex financial concepts into easily understandable language, which has made him highly effective at shareholder meetings, media interviews, and annual reports.
Through practice and repetition in the course, he was able to master this skill, which he considers vital to his success in business.
"You can improve your value by 50% just by learning communication skills — public speaking. It’s that simple."
Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, recalled practicing presentations with her mother to refine her delivery. Check this article.
Leadership Mastery
Leadership mastery involves a combination of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire others.
Ratan Tata, the business tycoon known for his visionary leadership, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning: "I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right."
This perspective highlights that mastery in leadership isn't about perfection, but about commitment to growth and adaptability.
The Journey Never Ends
One of the beautiful aspects of mastery is that it's an ongoing journey. This mindset of perpetual learning is crucial for both personal growth and inspiring others.
Practical Steps Towards Mastery
1. Set Clear Goals: Define what mastery looks like for you in communication and leadership.
2. Create a Learning Plan: Identify skills to develop and resources to use.
3. Practice Deliberately: Focus on specific aspects of your skills each day.
4. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for constructive criticism from peers and mentors.
5. Reflect and Adjust: Continuously evaluate your progress and adjust your approach.
6. Find a Coach or Mentor: Seek guidance from someone who has walked the path you aspire to follow.
7. Teach Others: Sharing your knowledge reinforces your own learning and mastery.
Mastery in communication and leadership is not a destination but a journey—one that requires patience, perseverance, and passion. As you embark on this path, remember the words of the great A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: "Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident."
Embrace the challenge, seek guidance, and commit to daily improvement.
With time, dedication, and the right mentorship, you'll not only enhance your skills but also inspire those around you to pursue their own path to mastery.
Remember, the greatest leaders are not just masters themselves, but they also cultivate mastery in others.
Start your journey today, and watch as your influence and impact grow beyond what you ever imagined possible.
Johncey George is a Leadership Coach for Introverts and runs Communication Mastery and Public Speaking Coaching programs for Introverts.
Sign Up here: https://www.coachjohncey.com/cm
Photograph Credit: Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-gray-microphone-164829/
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