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From Good to Great: The Art of Being Coachable

Author John Julitz

In today's fast-paced and competitive job market, it's essential to have the right mindset and skills to succeed in your career. One key trait that can make all the difference is being coachable. In a world where continuous learning is the name of the game, being coachable is like having a superpower that propels you towards your goals and further success. When you're coachable, you're open to learning, feedback, and advice from others. This allows you to grow and develop your skills faster, making you a valuable asset to any organization.

What Does It Mean to Be Coachable?
First things first, let's define what it means to be coachable. Being coachable is about having an open mindset, a genuine thirst for learning, and a willingness to grow both personally and professionally. It's about recognizing that none of us have all the answers and that we can benefit from the wisdom, guidance, and expertise of others. Being coachable means being receptive to feedback, adaptable to change, proactive in seeking opportunities for improvement, and it's a mindset that sets you up for success in any career endeavor.

The Benefits of Being Coachable 
Being coachable has numerous benefits, both for yourself and your employer. By being open to feedback and willing to make changes, you can develop your skills faster and become better at what you do. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and higher pay in the long run. Additionally, when you are coachable, you are more likely to be viewed as a team player and a valuable member of the organization. This can lead to more opportunities for career advancement and increased job security.

Embracing the Growth Mindset
So, how can you become more coachable? It starts with having a growth mindset; a concept popularized by psychologist Carol S. Dweck. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn. This means that you see challenges and setbacks as opportunities to grow. You are open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve. You also take ownership of your mistakes and see them as opportunities to learn, rather than as failures.

Here are some other benefits that come from being coachable:

  • Accelerating Learning: When you're coachable, you tap into a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience. By embracing feedback and seeking guidance from mentors, colleagues, or experts in your field, you can fast-track your learning and avoid common pitfalls. Why waste time reinventing the wheel when you can learn from those who have already mastered the terrain?

  • Enhancing Self-Awareness: Being coachable forces us to confront our blind spots and recognize areas where we can improve. When we're open to feedback, we gain valuable insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. This heightened self-awareness becomes a powerful tool for professional development, allowing us to refine our skills and build a strong foundation for success.

  • Adaptability in a Rapidly Changing World: In today's dynamic work environment, adaptability is key. By being coachable, you develop the agility and flexibility to navigate change with ease. You become more resilient, better equipped to handle challenges, and more receptive to new ideas. As technology continues to reshape industries, those who can adapt quickly will thrive.

  • Building Stronger Relationships: Being coachable strengthens your ability to collaborate and build meaningful connections. When you're open to feedback, you create an environment that encourages constructive dialogue and fosters trust. Your colleagues and superiors will appreciate your receptiveness, leading to stronger mentorships, partnerships, and opportunities for growth.

  • Developing Leadership Skills: Coachability is not limited to entry-level employees; it is equally vital for aspiring leaders. Effective leaders recognize the importance of being receptive to input and learning from their team members. By demonstrating coachability, they inspire trust, motivate their teams, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders who embody coachability also set a powerful example, encouraging their employees to follow suit. 

The Challenges of Being Uncoachable
On the other hand, being uncoachable can create setbacks in your career. When you are not open to feedback or advice from others, you may miss out on valuable opportunities to learn and grow. This can lead to stagnation in your career, as you continue to make the same mistakes and fail to develop new skills. Additionally, being uncoachable can harm your relationships with colleagues, managers, and other people in the workplace, leading to a negative work environment and decreased job satisfaction.

In a world where adaptability and continuous improvement are paramount, being coachable has become an indispensable trait for professional success. By embracing a growth mindset, seeking feedback, adapting to change, pursuing continuous learning, and nurturing collaborative relationships, you can unlock your full potential and create a fulfilling and prosperous career. Remember, being coachable isn't a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth.

For more tips on how to reach your career goals, visit ManpowerGroup’s Career Development Hub.