Robert Hargrove

Making a Difference in South Africa

This morning I received a letter from Rubi Davids, a coach and mentor in South Africa. It really inspires me to get letters like this from people who have read my books and are applying it to make a difference in their world. So, if you are out there, I would love to hear from you. I would like to share Rubi’s letter to me and my response.

Dear Mr. Hargrove, I have been involved in coaching, counseling, and mentoring for many years now. I reside in Cape Town. There has been a significant increase in depression in teen girls especially, so that I decided to design a mentoring program - older women mentoring teen girls. This program has been accepted by many Cape Flats Communities and has had a great positive impact in the lives of these teen girls. This year I have embarked on a certificate course in Coaching at the University of Stellenbosch and as a practical book assignment, I chose to read your book "Masterful Coaching." It has really given me a deeper insight into coaching and I am really inspired by the work you have done. I have just learned about your new book and will be investing in purchasing one. Kind Regards, Rubi Davids

Hello Rubi, Thanks for writing me. It’s great to hear my message about Masterful Coaching is getting out there in the world, and especially South Africa, a country I visited, several times and have a fond regard for.

I did a coaching program in the Northern Transvaal 10 or 15 years ago called “Battle of the Races” trying to build shared understanding between blacks and whites in that area. It was very rewarding personally.

Several people have written me about coaching and mentoring with respect to SA Street Kids, but you’re the first who wants to do something for teen age girls. (BTW, I have three teenage girls in my own house and self esteem is an issue, even with all the advantages.)

It seems from the ten or so letters I have received from people in South Africa that the country is one that is very receptive at least to the whole idea of coaching.

Several people have asked me to come to SA to lead a Masterful Coaching Certification Program but they couldn’t find a sponsor who could put the finances together to make a trip by me possible. Others have wanted to come to Boston to take my program but in the end couldn’t afford it. I wish there was something we could do, as I really do love the country and its people.

Anyway, please do invest in a copy of the third edition of Masterful Coaching. It is by far the best and has 12 catalytic coaching conversations that will guide you in a year long coaching program. While it’s written with executives in mind, you can easily interpret it for any audience. I think it will really help you. All the best, and again, thanks for writing. It’s really appreciated. Robert Hargrove