Coaching can be a transformative experience, but it’s not for everyone. As the world’s #1 executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith, says, “Pick the wrong clients, and you’ll lose every time. Pick the right ones, and you can rarely fail.”
So, what makes someone a good candidate for coaching? It all comes down to coachability. A study by the International Coach Federation found that the top three factors contributing to successful coaching outcomes were the client’s willingness to change, commitment to the process, and openness to feedback.
But how can you tell if you have these traits? Ask yourself: Are you open to receiving challenging feedback? Can you admit when you’re wrong? Are you willing to experiment with new behaviors, even when uncomfortable?
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that executives who scored high on coachability were more likely to meet their goals and see improved performance. However, those lacking humility, discipline, and a willingness to change often struggled to benefit from coaching.
As leadership expert John C. Maxwell puts it, “One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
However, that navigation requires active participation from the person being coached. It requires courage to face one’s weaknesses, humility to admit when one needs help, and discipline to put in the work.
Before you invest in coaching, take a hard look in the mirror. Are you indeed ready to embark on a journey of self-improvement? If the answer is yes, coaching could be the key to unlocking your full potential.
If you’re ready to improve your leadership skills and believe you have what it takes to truly benefit from coaching, consider exploring our High-Performance Leadership Coaching program.
