“Coachable people seek out those who speak truth to them, even if it is a painful truth, because it protects them and it makes them a better person and leader.” ― Gary Rohrmayer

Attending a respected university can make you more attractive in the job market. Being highly skilled in a particular field can also enhance your value. Having high-ranking friends can help advance your career. But so can hard work and dedication.

Nevertheless, the most vital trait any candidate can bring to the job market is “coachability.” The longing to improve and the willingness to change will always surpass contacts, friends in high places, attractive resumes and work ethic.

Coachability is the #1 trait we all need to lead, learn, and grow!

It’s easy to claim we are “coachable.” Maintaining coachability is the hard part. As we grow older, become more comfortable and obtain more knowledge, we lessen our willingness to accept coaching. We move from learner to knower. When we make this minor shift, we don’t grow — we plateau our level of performance in every area of our life. We become complacent instead of committed.

I once sat down with a highly successful new hire and asked: “Do you think you’re coachable?” The response was, “It depends on who the coach is.” Once I heard the answer, I left the meeting without saying a word. I understood my ability to help this person would be a waste of time because he wasn’t coachable or understood what it meant to be coachable.

Individuals will claim they want help and a mentor or someone to offer advice along the way. Yet, those are shallow words, as, more often than not, saying you are coachable and being coachable are unrelated. Coaching relationships evaporate because the person wanting to be coached decides they don’t need coaching. He has all the answers. And because he is not coachable, most of his answers are to the wrong test.

As leaders, we must develop a coachable culture. We cannot assume everyone wants to be coached, even though their words scream, “Make me better!” People may claim they are receptive to coaching — but unless they actively seek coaching, they are not ready to be coached.

When I left the room without saying a word, the new hire was surprised and embarrassed, causing him to respond with an intense scream, “Wait! Let’s talk. I’m ready.” He went from being open to the idea of being coached, to depending on a coach to help.

Once he shifted his approach from depending on who is the coach to actively wanting to be coached, he moved from heeding advice to listening to advice. Being open to coaching is terrific, but it doesn’t make you coachable. Only when you actively seek out coaching do you become coachable.

You will see an instantaneous result once you make those you lead understand the difference! Be well, and keep learning.

— Brian Nadon