In a small village, there was a potter named Sora, known for making the most beautiful pots and vases.
One day, a villager came running to Sora’s workshop with a broken vase. It had been in their family for years and was very special to them. The villager blamed Sora, saying, “It broke so easily that it must be because you made it badly!”
Sora calmly replied, “Is that so?” and took the broken pieces without arguing.
Word spread around the village that Sora’s work might not be as good as everyone thought. Fewer people came to him for new pottery, and the potter became the talk of the town.
But Sora didn’t complain or try to explain. Instead, he quietly got to work, fixing the broken vase piece by piece with a golden glue.
Months later, the villager came back to see how the vase was doing. When they saw it, they were amazed. The vase was now even more beautiful than before. The cracks were filled with shining gold, making it stand out and tell its own story.
The villager began to cry. “I’m so sorry. The vase broke because I wasn’t careful. It wasn’t your fault at all.”Sora smiled and handed the vase back to the villager. “Is that so?” he said, then went back to his work.
Over time, people stopped blaming Sora and instead admired his patience and kindness. They came to him not just for pots but for the hope and beauty he created from what was broken.
Life will give us both blame and praise, problems and joys. True peace doesn’t come from fighting or bragging, it comes from calmly accepting what happens and responding with care.
What in your life might need a little “golden repair”?
As leaders, we often face challenges that may feel like “cracks” in our work or relationships. Yet, these challenges hold the potential to create something even stronger and more meaningful when addressed with care and intention. This is where the value of a coaching mindset truly shines. By fostering resilience and adaptability, coaching enables leaders to embrace imperfections as opportunities for growth. Tailored Corporate Leadership Coaching Programs, for example, can help organizations uncover and refine the unique strengths within their teams. Executive Coaching for Senior Leadership Teams creates space for reflection and intentional decision-making. Strategic Leadership Development for Corporations ensures that growth aligns with long-term goals, while Custom Leadership Coaching to Drive Organizational Success focuses on turning challenges into actionable solutions. Finally, Team Leadership Coaching for High-Performance Corporate Leaders encourages collaboration and innovation. Just as Sora transformed a broken vase into a masterpiece, coaching helps leaders turn setbacks into success stories, empowering them to shine with resilience and purpose.