The weekend's sporting success has inspired Tesse Akpeki to consider what makes a good coach.

In most team sports, the coach or manager plays a vital role in making the calls and can support those they coach to display incredible courage. And it helps if the coach knows what it is like to stand in the shoes of the people she or he coaches. A special empathy and understanding can develop.

The coach helps to hone qualities and attributes leading to near flawless performances. As Andy Murray enjoys a historic Wimbledon men's championship win in 2013, having beaten Novak Djokovic in straight sets, he played special tribute to his coach, Ivan Lendl who took over the coaching reins in 2012.  

His testimonial demonstrates that Ivan took a good player and made him a great one. It was inspiring hearing Murray honestly describe a special relationship - the player-coach relationship - not always a comfortable one with its own particular power dynamics. Under the glow of the incredible Murray-Lindl light and encouragement, Murray found his best serving form when he needed it most. His resilience and mental attitude twinned with great tennis skills helped him to create a new historical milestone not achieved by any male single tennis player since 1936.

Murray made special mention of his coach Ivan Lendl for his patience and for working with him, admitting, “I am not the easiest person at times.  He's always told me exactly what he thought.  He's always been honest with me. He believed in me when a lot of people didn't.  He stuck by me through some tough losses the last couple of years”.

Lendl captured eight Grand Slam titles. He was ranked no.1 for a total of 270 weeks. Interestingly Ivan did not win Wimbledon and was beaten twice in the Wimbledon finals.  In the Lendl and Murray situation they are both driven personalities and Lendl's independence of mind has been a critical factor to Murray's success.    

In another sporting highlight British and Irish Lions were exceptional as they beat Australia 41-16 in deciding rugby union Test in Sydney - their first series victory for 16 years.  Again Warren Gatland demonstrated the powerful relationship dynamics on the British and Irish Lions tour.   The Lions were able to luxuriate in a thumping victory.  

Good coaches encourage their coachees to dare to believe and in strengthening their self belief they reach new heights and break down impenetrable walls.  A coaching relationship that find its rhythm  achieves impact by focusing on a clear goal, a respectful relationship, crystal clear outcomes, hard graft and a commitment to succeed.