Are You Really Coachable?

We all say we want to to know what others think. But are we truly coachable? Or do we just want to be validated?

Let's do a quick self-check*:

 🔹 Do you actively seek out feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable?

 🔹 When someone challenges you, do you lean in—or shut down?

 🔹 Have you ever changed a deeply held belief based on other's input?

 🔹 Can you name a recent moment when you were wrong—and owned it?

 🔹 Does your team feel safe giving you real, unfiltered feedback?

💡 If you hesitated on any of these, it’s time for a real shift.

Here are some tips on becoming TRULY Coachable:

🚀 Detach your identity from being "right."

 Many leaders unconsciously equate being challenged with being less competent. True confidence comes from a willingness to evolve, not defend.

🧠 Reflect on your emotional reactions.

 When feedback stings, ask: What am I protecting? Is it my ego, my authority, or a version of myself that I don’t want to question? Growth starts when you can sit with that discomfort.

🎭 Look at the gap between how you see yourself and how others experience you.

You might think you’re approachable. But does your team hesitate before speaking up? 

You might think you’re open-minded. But do you dismiss ideas that challenge your beliefs? 

💡 Your intentions don’t matter as much as your actual behavior.

🔥 Ask for feedback—then prove you can handle it.

If people don’t tell you the hard truths, it’s not because they don’t have feedback to give you. It’s because they don’t feel safe sharing their thoughts with you. The moment you get defensive, you teach them to stay silent.

💡 Your ability to grow is directly tied to your ability to be challenged.

 So, are you truly coachable? Or just comfortable?

🌟 Let me know how you did on the self-check! 

Let me know if you have other recommendations for being more coachable. 

*If you want to explore this more, there are some great assessments that provide accurate insights on your learning agility, emotional intelligence and coachability. Reach out to me for more info.