One question people ask me frequently is:
"What sort of people get the most out of coaching?"
This question is a challenging question to answer and depends on the person. So many times, I have been conversing with people who think things are static until they mention a compelling insight that led to a major decision. In other words, it depends.
I have thought a lot about this question as I have gotten more coaching experience, and the word that comes to mind is "curiosity and themselves". The most curious people approach coaching with less judgement, increased bravery and more energy.
With this question in mind, I came across the book "Becoming Coachable: Unleashing the Power of Executive to Transform Your Leadership and Life" and became curious.
I remember thinking
"Being Coachable, now this is an interesting concept", and I became very curious.
There are a lot of books out there about how to be a better coach, but few that discuss how to be a better "thinker" (the term I use for persons I have coaching conversations with).
I listened to an interview with the authors Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane (the third author Marshall Goldsmith, did not participate) with Dr. Gary Crotaz on his podcast "The Unlock Moment" which I found very enjoyable and valuable.
The authors outline a few things they found to be coachable:
➔ Self-awareness, being open to change: Acknowledging blind spots and weak spots requires openness to feedback from others. Self-awareness involves stepping outside one's comfort zone and examining one's actions honestly and objectively.
➔ Vulnerability, being open to feedback: Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, but it is a prerequisite for growing, learning, and connecting with others on a deep level.
"Vulnerability is not a weakness but a courageous act of self-reflection, and, more often, the act of others reflecting how we occur to them,"
➔ Taking action: Taking action to address blind spots and untapped potential requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to push past fear and resistance.
➔Being accountable: Taking ownership of our actions, decisions, and their outcomes means not making excuses or blaming others for our failures or shortcomings. Instead, accept responsibility, learn from mistakes, and make amends when necessary.
As I read this list, I realised that "curiosity about yourself" allows all these behaviours to occur, it also gave me a whole new set of words to describe "Coachability"
The final quote from Jacquelyn Lane summed it up for me.
What does it take to become coachable?
"Humility to recognise the need and confidence to engage fully in the coaching process."