Being coached isn’t easy; I get it. It can feel a lot like criticism, and criticism can feel cold, especially when it’s coming from someone you don’t know very well.

But when you’re coachable, it can be the very thing that leads you to your next opportunity. You don’t always have to agree, but if you’re merely open to learning and seeing a different perspective, coachability will take you a long way. In my experience, being coached will help create change and move you into future possibilities quicker than anything else.

I learned to be coachable in my time as a high school ball player (basketball, volleyball and later netball). After many years of daily feedback (or criticism, however you prefer to look at it), I had to choose between settling for sitting on the bench or becoming first string.

I discovered how my coach’s feedback made me a better individual player and more valuable teammate. Taking that concept from the ball court to the boardroom has allowed me to seek coachability opportunities throughout my business career. I’ve met some amazing people who are now mentors and mentees and constantly help move me forward.

Coachability comes with practice.

Additionally, it involves getting to the root of your fears: Are you afraid of being wrong? Losing control? Being successful? Disappointing family?

For me, it was fear of making mistakes, so I made it a point to lighten my load and lay down the perfectionist in me, so that I could be a student of the game, thereby leaving me open to being coached and receiving feedback and also helping me buck up and shape the person I wanted to be.

If you are considering business coaching to help you fast-track your journey to success, but you’re not sure if it’s right for you, email me your questions and let me know how I can support you.

To your success,