The Art of Being Coachable as a Leader

Embracing Feedback: The Path to Transformational Leadership

Welcome to this week’s edition of LEADerSHIP DecK. Today, let’s have a candid conversation about coachability—a trait I’ve come to value deeply in my 7-8 years as a coach. Over the years, I’ve worked with diverse leaders, each with their unique aspirations and challenges. But if there’s one lesson that stands out, it’s this: coachability is the foundation of true growth.

My Journey with Coachability

When I started coaching, I had an open-door policy. I believed that everyone deserved a chance to learn and grow. I gave my time, energy, and insights freely, often extending myself to those who weren’t entirely ready to embrace change. It was only last year that I realized the importance of discernment. Today, I choose who I want to coach. Why? Because being coachable isn’t about having potential alone—it’s about the willingness to step out of your comfort zone and act on feedback.

What Is Coachability?

Coachability is more than just being open to feedback; it’s about actively seeking it, embracing discomfort, and committing to growth. It requires humility to acknowledge areas of improvement and courage to take steps toward change. For leaders, this quality is a game-changer, transforming not just their personal trajectory but also the dynamics of their teams.

Why Coachability Matters in Leadership

Leaders set the tone for their teams. A coachable leader creates a culture of curiosity, innovation, and resilience. They inspire their teams to see challenges as opportunities and foster an environment where feedback is welcomed, not feared.

I’ve seen firsthand how leaders who embrace coachability elevate their organizations. They inspire trust and loyalty, showing their teams that growth is a shared journey. And let’s face it—if you’re not evolving, you’re falling behind.

Traits of Coachable Leaders

• Active Listening: They don’t just hear—they truly listen, seeking to understand rather than respond.
• Growth Mindset: Challenges excite them because they see them as opportunities to learn.
• Self-Awareness: They regularly reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of their decisions.
• Humility: They’re not afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers.

Barriers to Coachability

But let’s be honest—being coachable isn’t always easy. Here are some common hurdles:

• Fear of Vulnerability: Admitting areas for improvement can feel like exposing a weakness.
• Resistance to Change: It’s human nature to stick with what’s familiar.
• Overconfidence: The belief that “I already know this” can block new learning.

How to Cultivate Coachability

So how can you nurture this vital trait? Here are some practical steps:

1. Seek Feedback Proactively: Don’t wait for others to point things out—ask for feedback often.
2. Listen Without Defensiveness: Instead of justifying yourself, focus on understanding the feedback.
3. Act on Feedback: Make visible efforts to implement suggestions and measure the impact.
4. Reflect and Journal: Take time to evaluate your interactions and decisions. What’s working? What needs improvement?
5. Invest in Learning: Stay curious by reading, attending workshops, or working with a mentor.

A Final Thought

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about the courage to ask questions and the humility to learn. As John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

This week, I encourage you to reflect: How coachable are you? Are you ready to lean into discomfort, listen with an open mind, and act on what you learn? Remember, growth begins where comfort ends.

If you are someone looking to transform your leadership journey do connect -

Yours in growth,

Founder LEADerSHIP DecK and Coach

Lt Cdr Sadhanaa Giri