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Before entering into a coaching engagement, it’s important to reflect on whether you and/or your employees are coachable. Did you know that 40% of coaching’s impact is dependent on readiness? So what does it mean to be “coachable”?  Let’s step back and clarify what coaching is, then revisit this question.

Understanding Coaching

Coaching is designed to help people uncover their internal motivation and inspiration to change, and to develop the skills and behaviors that improve competence, confidence and eventually performance.  Notice what comes first: internal motivation and inspiration to change.  This readiness for coaching can be the most defining factor in whether coaching is successful.

When Coaching May Not Be the Right Fit

There may be excellent reasons why coaching is not suitable at any given time.  An individual may have underlying psychological or medical problems beyond the scope of coaching, or may simply not see a need to change.  In these instances, coaching is not the right solution.

Signs of Low Coachability

When individuals consistently resist or deflect developmental or critical feedback, rationalize any negative perceptions, or are complacent, unmotivated or uncommitted to change, coaching is likely to be less effective.  Sometimes a key event, such as critical feedback received from a manager or key stakeholders, inability to achieve a desired promotion, a poor performance rating, a lost relationship, or a health crisis, will shift an individual from resistance to a growing awareness of a need for change.  In such cases, even if they demonstrate some resistance to the coaching process, they more likely to be ready for coaching.

Characteristics of a Coachable Individual

An individual is considered to be coachable when they:

 Accept feedback

 Show a desire to improve

 Have an intrinsic need to grow

 Are lifelong learners

 Have a realistic sense of self

Making Space for Coaching

It’s also important to make space for coaching, not just for formal meetings, but to process and practice new concepts and skills between sessions.  Coaching is about driving changes that are important to the person being coached.  It’s useful to discuss goals and intentions with your team, partners, family, friends or others and how they can support you.

Are You Ready for Coaching?

Coaching is for everyone who is ready to embrace it.  Are you ready?

Thanks for stopping by.  We hope you found at least one little nugget you are taking away with you.  What will you do to bring it into full living color?

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