TED Talks Daily

Want to get great at something? Get a coach | Atul Gawande

Aug 7, 2019
Atul Gawande, a renowned surgeon and public health innovator, dives into the pivotal role of coaching in enhancing skills and performance. He argues that effective coaching provides a reality check, fosters positive habits, and breaks down complex actions for better mastery. Gawande shares compelling anecdotes illustrating how coaching can transform practices in high-stakes environments, such as healthcare settings in India. Ultimately, he emphasizes that it's not your current skill level that matters, but the potential to grow through dedicated guidance.
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ANECDOTE

Challenges in Childbirth in India

  • Atul Gawande observed birth attendants in India struggling with high mortality rates despite knowing best practices.
  • Simple tasks like handwashing and using clean gloves were difficult due to a lack of resources.
INSIGHT

Importance of Continuous Improvement

  • It's not just current skill but future potential that matters.
  • Professionals face the challenge of continuous improvement in complex fields.
ANECDOTE

Traditional Approach to Improvement

  • Dorothy DeLay, a Juilliard instructor, focused on teaching her students how to learn and improve independently.
  • This pedagogical approach suggests professionals manage their own improvement.
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