In my last post, I discussed what it means to be coachable. Forrest Gump was very coachable because of his ability to be both present and receptive in a variety of situations. You can improve your own ability to be present and receptive, and hence improve your coachability.
Today we’ll focus on 7 Ways of Being that will naturally lead to actions that will in turn lead to the result you want: to be more coachable.
If you were more coachable, would your specific skills sharpen?
If you were more coachable, would your relationships improve?
If you were more coachable, would your peace of mind be purified?
The 7 Ways of Being makes two assumptions about coachability from the outset:
a. Those who coach you have your best intentions at heart. They are friends, colleagues, advisors, or maybe even family members. They truly want you to succeed, and the coaching they provide is given in that spirit.
b. You enter the coaching of your own free will, and with the desire to improve and/or be more effective.
- Be Present. To benefit from a coaching session, you’ll want to be distraction-free and completely in the moment.
- Be Receptive. Receptiveness is being accessible, interested, observant, open to new ideas, persuadable, and welcoming.
- Be Gracious. Graciousness is defined as being pleasantly kind, benevolent, and courteous. Assuming that the person coaching you is kindly, and offers the coaching in a courteous manner, then why would you want to behave in any other way? Be gracious, please.
- Be Silent. To be silent is to refrain from speech, or to be still. Being still is being free from mental and emotional turbulence and disruptive waves.
- Be Vulnerable. One definition of vulnerability is to be open to criticism. That is what coaching is all about, being open to constructive criticism.
- Be Positive. One enters a coaching situation with the intention of improving a specific skill. It was entered with free will and a choice, so let?s also make the choice of remaining positive throughout the experience.
- Be Neutral. To be neutral means to not align oneself with a side or position. Reserve judgment. Remain amenable.
When being coached, consider that being a certain way will make the process more efficient, less painful, and more productive. And, consider that the coach may be more willing to continue coaching if you demonstrate an ability … and willingness … to be coached.
Margaret Thatcher said, “Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction.” And I’ll add the high road to coachability.
What Way of Being would make the most difference in your ability to be coached?
Next Blog Title: You’re No Different Than Anyone Else
Next Blog Date: January 24, 2011