A case of the right diagnosis in medicine and coaching

Getting the right diagnoses in life is essential. Thomas had a bad cough for about 3 months. Two trips to the doctor, a prescription for ventolin and a range of home remedies did not cure his incessant coughing throughout the night that left us all cumulatively exhausted, most all Thomas. On 21st December we visited a doctor in Chamonix who agreed with the previous diagnosis but in addition added one extra component take – an anti-inflammatory call Solupred to be taken through the inhaler 5 minutes after the Ventolin. ‘Give it 48 hours’ he said ‘and he will be cured’. That evening we all had an uninterrupted night’s sleep – the first in months. We all feel bad leaving him in discomfort for so long.

The lesson for me here is the importance of a diagnosis and how that can either sort a problem quickly or leave one floundering.

This is what a good coach helps with – diagnosis (albeit assisting with self-diagnosis) – so that the performer can make real progress quickly and effectively with the minimum of trial.