LEADERSHIP COACHING: READY OR NOT?

Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous journey. The best leaders understand this and commit to lifelong learning to stay effective. But growth requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to evolve.

Imagine this: A leader realizes their effectiveness is declining, but they can’t pinpoint why. Their immediate solution? Hire a coach. But before making that decision, there’s a more important question to ask: Are you truly READY to be coached?

The Cost of Coaching When You’re Not Ready

Hiring a coach without the right mindset is a waste of time and money. If you’re not open to growth, no amount of coaching will make a difference. Signs You’re NOT Ready for Coaching:

? Resistant to feedback or constructive criticism

? Struggle to acknowledge weaknesses or mistakes

? Blame external factors instead of taking accountability

? Unwilling to change behaviors or mindset

? Expect immediate results rather than trusting the process

? Want a coach to provide answers instead of developing your own solutions

? Frequently cancel or reschedule sessions

? Fail to complete agreed-upon tasks between sessions

? View coaching as a low priority rather than an opportunity for growth

If you see yourself in these signs, coaching may not be beneficial—yet. Self-awareness and a willingness to change are essential for coaching to be effective.

Signs You ARE Ready for Coaching:

? Genuinely committed to growth and self-improvement

? Open to receiving feedback and identifying areas for development

? Willing to embrace new perspectives and ideas

? Able to recognize both strengths and weaknesses

? Take full responsibility for decisions and actions

? Consistently invest time and effort in the coaching process

? See challenges as learning opportunities

Coaching isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about transformation. The key question to ask yourself is: Am I truly READY for coaching, or NOT?

If you’re prepared to be challenged, to embrace feedback, and to take ownership of your growth, then coaching can be one of the most powerful investments in your leadership journey. Are you ready or not? The answer makes all the difference.

Written by David Geter