There is no such thing as status quo – at least not for any longer periods of time.
No, the truth is that the world sure isn’t standing still – neither should we.
We live in a changing world and we need to continuously learn and re-learn. What we knew yesterday may no longer be relevant or correct. What we once accepted as truths may since have been disproved. We of course need to be open to that, to accept that.
We’re sure you would agree that everyone needs to change, adapt and evolve to meet the demands and expectations of the future.
We therefore also need to welcome feedback and be able to take action to change and shape our actions, behaviours and habits in response. Some people say that they are adaptable and flexible and may even seek coaching, but when someone gives them constructive feedback that could help them develop, they brush it away or become defensive. They come up with excuses and explanations as to why the do what they do rather than be willing to listen to others feedback. They don’t take it in and as a result nothing changes. On some level it’s more important for them to be “right” than willing to develop. They are not open to the coaching opportunity of the feedback. And every time they disregard or push away the feedback, they reduce the chances of others wanting to share feedback again. And as a result they minimize their chances to develop, grow and be successful.
Winners are coachable. It’s a straightforward as that
Winners are people who are coachable. It’s a straightforward as that. Now imagine a team in the world of sports where a player isn’t coachable and won’t take on feedback – well, they are pretty soon going to be off that team, don’t you think?
To be coachable is to let our guard down. We stand strong and open minded
To be coachable is to let our guard down, to not feel the need to defend ourselves against the perceived “attack” of feedback. When we’re coachable, we stand strong and stay open minded, knowing that coaching and feedback is the making of champions. We assume positive intent in others and value their input. We are eager to do better and better, to become masters as what we do.
All coaching is, is taking a player where he can’t take himself
Bill McCartney
There are many possible coaches around us all; people who can hold up a mirror and let us see what they see, and now and then give us guidance too. They may be leaders, peers, direct reports, friends, and of course professional coaches.
Feedback and coaching is the stuff or champions, of winners. Are you getting enough of it? Are you allowing yourself to be as successful as you can be by welcoming coaching? Are you letting yourself be coached? How coachable are you?
About the authors
Mandy Flint & Elisabet Vinberg Hearn, award-winning authors of ”The Team Formula” and ”Leading Teams – 10 Challenges: 10 Solutions”, published by Financial Times International and a practical tool for building winning teams. They are currently writing their third book about Leadership Imapct.
You can download a free chapter of “Leading Teams 10 Challenge 10 Solutions” here
Praise for ”Leading Teams”: This book is really, and literally, something else. Not the usual management fad. Instead, here is a manual with troubleshooting instructions within. I love that suggested solutions are taken down to what behaviours to display to make the solution come to life. The exemplifications of problems are spot on, and you can immediately recognize and relate to them. I and my team have worked a lot with creating team accountability and efficiency, and with the help of this manual we can continue to work with it on our own. My team members will get a copy as soon as the book is out” Håkan Nyberg, Chief Executive Officer, Nordnet Bank
