As discussed in my last blog on the Drama Triangle, my clients often find themselves stuck in a dynamic of rescuing. We know that rescuing behaviour reinforces the powerlessness of the other person, which is not an effective way to lead. But even if you can resist rescuing, as a leader, how can you be confident that you provide the right support and challenge?

This dilemma shows up regularly for leaders I work with in the coaching space. From leaders taking on more responsibility than is appropriate for their team members to social workers trying to positively influence the families they support, it shows up in all walks of life. When we spot this dynamic playing out at work, it must be handled with compassion and quiet conviction. Let me tell you about a way of seeing things that help my clients gain new insights into their dilemmas.

I’ve just spent a month in a small village in Goa called Morjim, practising Ashtanga yoga. It was a powerful learning experience, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity. The parallels between a fulfilling yoga practice and a powerful coaching journey kept emerging in my reflections. Yoga is an ancient wisdom that reaches back thousands of years. Many of the lessons that come to us from these ancient teachings are relevant to coaching conversations in organisations today.