When I reflect on the role of a manager, fostering coachability within the team becomes paramount. To become effective coaches, individuals must first be adept at being coached. In our current business ecosystem, being coachable is not just a bonus—it’s a cornerstone. Holding onto the notion that there’s nothing left to learn is limiting and detrimental to inspiring others. At its core, coachability is an invitation to growth, a receptivity to feedback, and an embrace of inevitable change. So, let’s dissect what makes someone truly coachable and the inestimable worth it adds to their personal and professional trajectory.
Humility isn’t just about grace in defeat; it’s the essence of coachability. This realization—that no matter how high our pedestal, there’s always a new horizon of knowledge—shapes coachable minds. By celebrating humility, we pave the way for a culture that thrives on mutual learning and impactful collaboration.
True coachability transcends mere knowledge accumulation. It’s about channeling those learnings into actionable results. Those who embody this trait aren’t just passive recipients; they actively chase avenues to harness and apply newfound insights. Real learning, after all, springs from hands-on endeavors, tinkering, and revisiting strategies. Such individuals don’t just absorb—they transform their knowledge into discernible outcomes.
Coachable individuals often carry a motivation that’s beyond surface-level incentives. Their drive for personal enhancement isn’t tethered solely to career ladder climbs or paycheck bumps. It’s an intrinsic thirst—a yearning that aligns with a broader vision, making them unwavering, enthusiastic, and keen to ripple positive impacts through their coaching roles.
Receiving feedback can be a tough pill to swallow. However, those with a coachable spirit view it differently. They lower their guards, welcoming feedback without any veneer of defensiveness. In their eyes, feedback isn’t a criticism; it’s a ticket to elevation. By letting down these barriers, they foster an atmosphere ripe for honest dialogue, fostering trust and synergies.
Lastly, believing in the journey, with its twists and turns, is a hallmark of coachability. These individuals are acutely aware that growth isn’t an overnight achievement. They wear patience and tenacity like badges of honor, always looking ahead, convinced of the lasting rewards their endeavors promise. This unwavering belief doesn’t just benefit them—it becomes a beacon, lighting the way for others.
Harboring a coachable demeanor isn’t just beneficial—it’s transformative. It’s the key that unlocks untapped potential, not just as adept learners but also as inspiring coaches. As we tread forward, our collective goal should pivot towards nurturing a work environment where coachability isn’t just appreciated but revered, where the ethos is centered around mutual learning and elevating each other’s trajectories.
Thoughts inspired by “What it Means to be Coachable and Why You Should Care,” and article by Laura Di Franco printed in the Huffington Post in February 2017.
