We All Need Support

By Mohammed Sam Shoushi 

The Global Coach

I realised this learning from the very beginning when I "came out" to the world about starting to coach.

I was overwhelmed with the response of people who contacted me looking to be coached or referring their friends and loved ones to be coached. This showed me - and the others who saw my announcement - that many of us are open to seeking support in our personal and professional journeys.

We are not alone.
In fact, we are never alone.

Here's an exercise from The Mind of the Leader, a Harvard Business Review published book authored by The Potential Project, where I currently work. This exercise is under the chapter of "Selfless Leadership", which is one of the qualities that the research found to be what leaders need in today's world:

• ​Those who helped organise your time.
  
• Those who contributed to the projects you are involved in.
  
• Those who made it possible for you to have something to eat.
  
• Those who expressed appreciation for you.
  
• Anyone else who made today possible for you...
  
• ... Consider how deeply interconnected you are with others.
  

Only through others are you able to be you and achieve what you achieve.

This moment - and every moment - is only possible because of the support of others. But this is something we rarely think about.

So imagine what would be possible if we actually became consciously aware of the support systems around us.

​Taking that a step further, imagine what would be possible if we openly sought the support needed to address concerns and achieve opportunities in the various aspects of our lives.
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Specifically, I talk about non-tangible support like strategic, mental, emotional support and so forth.

​It's normal for many to go to a restaurant to have a delicious meal they can't cook, but not very common to seek support from a personal trainer or a nutritionist about leading a healthier lifestyle. We go to the doctor often to get remedies for physical illness, but it's still taboo for many to visit a counsellor/therapist for salient emotional and mental matters.

​Similarly, many purchase a variety of material goods to feel happy, yet we don't usually reach out to coaches and mentors to investigate what makes us deeply happy and what is needed (beyond the material) to get there.

​And this was why I was in awe - and still am - by the response that I got from people around me about coaching.
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We are not alone. We are in this together.

Which brings me to this quote by Dr. Brené Brown (a scholar on vulnerability):

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So if you or someone you know dared enough to be vulnerable and take measures to seek support, congratulate them and/or yourself for being ready to take things to the next level.

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Mohammed sam Shoushi

With a background in International Relations, Sam was introduced to professional coaching practices through Transcend International, joining them as Head of Growth & Development in 2018, and training with them to become a coach. His experience at organisations such as the United Nations and Google, and having lived in 8 countries and speaking 8 languages, means Sam is well placed to give a wider perspective on the world.