Character is Revealed

Lindsay White
Latest posts by Lindsay White (see all)

I was on my way home earlier this week, listening to CBC radio as I often do when I’m in the car, and I happened to catch an interview with NHL Hall of Famer Ken Dryden. He made a particular comment in that interview that has been rattling around in my head now for the past couple days. His comment, and I’m paraphrasing, was that a person’s character isn’t grown, or even developed, it is “revealed”. That particular turn of phrase really struck me…what does it mean to have our character revealed?

​Of course, Ken was specifically talking about how a tough, gritty game like hockey reveals a competitor’s true nature, but I found this theme continuing to come up in my coaching sessions. As I spoke with different clients, with different issues and vastly different perspectives, the phrase kept entering our conversations…. “character is revealed”. What I noticed is that my clients all had one thing in common; when uncomfortable, unstable or really off their game, increasingly their character continued to shine a little brighter. In fact, by bravely and tirelessly working through the discomfort and fighting through the challenge, that glow got even more intense. Clearly Ken is on to something!

As a coach it was really interesting to me that I could see their glowing character reveal itself, but they couldn’t. I realized it’s difficult to look at ourselves in that way, especially when we are frustrated, fearful or confused. I believe that’s where I can add the most value as a coach, by being a witness, and even a reflection, for my clients. Enabling them to see for themselves and supporting them as they connect to their inner brilliance. That’s the message I certainly tried to leave each of my clients with over the past couple days; that their character is revealing itself, their glow is shining through, and they have all the answers they need.

If you think you want someone to help you uncover your inner brilliance let’s connect.

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