I find a distinct difference between the clients who are successful and those who are not. It has little to do with their industry, occupation, the economy, or anything else other than their ability to take advice and apply it. Over the past eighteen years of my life in business virtually everything hinges on the person I am working with to be coachable. That willingness and trust to let go of their own ego and past beliefs in order to make positive change.

Coaching has been the buzzword for several years. I am sure you will find plenty of articles about the importance of coaching, why you should do it, etc. Personally I don’t care and I am not going to try to convince you of anything because the people who are coachable are the ones who understand its value. What’s more important to me is are you coachable? This is a question you should be asking yourself as well. Because if you are not then you are not working as efficiently as you could and you’re not as successful as you could be.

If you think you’re coachable, prove it!

• When was the last time you accepted feedback that went against what you believed to be true?  How did you react?
• Think of a time where you were given advice.  How did you deal with it?
• When was the last time you reached out for help?
• What happens to your mood when you are questioned about an action you have taken?
• When was the last time you sought the advice of a friend, family member, colleague, or expert?

Many struggle with reaching out for help, and even when they do, they may not accept it.  Often the biggest obstacle to our own success is us.  It’s tough to recognize and even tougher to look at when you are forced to face the facts.  Either way, as a business leader you will need to admit you don’t know everything and seeking the advice of others is not a weakness but a smart thing to do.

So are you coachable?