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Writer's pictureProfessor Lesley Dobree

Step forward into the unknown and assume it will be brilliant




With more time at home in recent months, I have finally caught up with the excellent TV series Grey's Anatomy. I have grown to love Meredith, Cristina, Richard, Miranda, Alex, Owen and the many other wonderful characters created by the exceptionally talented Shonda Rimes. The many ups and downs in their personal and professional lives and relationships, although occasionally exaggerated, will certainly resonate with many, especially those, who like me, have worked in hospitals.


The quote below from one of my favourite characters, Cristina Yang, a strong, determined and ambitious cardiac surgeon, portrayed by Sandra Oh, has stuck in my mind and certainly seems very appropriate for the times we are currently living through.



Sometimes the future changes quickly and completely, and we're left with only the choice of what to do next. We can choose to be afraid of it, to stand there trembling, not moving, assuming the worst that can happen or we step forward into the unknown and assume it will be brilliant.

(Cristina Yang in Grey's Anatomy)


The coronavirus pandemic represents a level of sudden change that most of us have never experienced. As President Macron, speaking about the pandemic crisis to the Financial Times in April 2020, said "we are embarking on the unthinkable...we all face the profound need to invent something new, because that is all we can do"




Leaders in all organisations, have had to grapple with change and respond with unprecedented speed to deal with the pandemic. The scale and the enormity of the disruption, along with planning how best to cope with it has challenged even the most experienced leaders. The sinister realities and uncertainties of Covid-19 have highlighted the need for changes in mindsets, culture and behaviours. There is no roadmap to recovery for leaders to follow - the only option has been to step forward into the unknown, accept that change is inevitable and lead from the front.




Executive or leadership coaching is increasingly recognised as a valuable personal intervention which helps leaders to access their personal abilities and resources to deal with challenges and become more effective in their roles. Coaching can be particularly helpful during times of change when leaders are trying to find new ways of enhancing both personal and organisational resilience and performance to achieve success. The opportunity to explore and test ideas and develop action plans in a safe and confidential space with an experienced coach can prove invaluable. Coaching can certainly benefit leaders coping with the challenges and changes that have already been precipitated by the coronavirus crises as well as those, yet unknown changes that will inevitably follow.



Coaching can be particularly helpful during times of change when leaders are trying to find new ways of enhancing both personal and organisational resilience and performance to achieve success.

Moving my coaching practice on-line, utilising one of video platforms has required me to change some of my practices and work with clients in different ways. This has however proved to be mutually rewarding and successful and offered more flexibility for clients and me. The challenges and time associated with travelling long distances to meet with clients no longer exist and privacy and confidentiality can still be assured. This extra time along with lockdown more generally is another reason I have become a fan of Grey's Anatomy. I can't help thinking that some of the characters, for example Richard, Owen and others who became the Chief of Surgery for (longer and shorter!) periods of time would have benefitted from leadership coaching to enable them to cope better with the very many crises, challenges and and difficult characters they had to confront!


If you are interested in coaching and would like to find out more about my coaching practice, please contact me directly at lesley@dialogueforsuccess.com or check out my website at Dialogue for Success Ltd


Thanks for reading and please don't assume the worst will happen, instead, step forward into the unknown and ensure the future is brilliant.

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