Episode 392: Be Coachable (Leadership & Process)

Are you coachable? Take a listen as we explore the behaviors of those who are and are not coachable. This episode identifies the four types of people in coaching and shares reflections and actions to make you more coachable and a better coach of others. 

• The Rookies
  Rookies are the fresh faces who walk in with wide eyes and open notebooks. They’re new to the organization, and they know it, which makes them wonderfully hungry to learn. When you work with a Rookie, expect lots of questions, quick enthusiasm, and a genuine willingness to try things your way. They may stumble as they find their footing, but they bounce back fast because they see every correction as a gift rather than a criticism. The magic of coaching a Rookie is watching growth happen in real time. Give them clear direction, celebrate their small wins, and be patient with the learning curve, and you’ll find they often become some of your most loyal and dedicated teammates.
• The Know Betters
  Know Betters greet feedback with a polite “Thanks, but...” and then explain why their way works just fine. They’re confident, experienced, and often genuinely skilled, which is exactly why change can feel unnecessary to them. When you work with a Know Better, expect some pushback, a healthy dose of debate, and the occasional “I’ve already tried that.” Here’s the bright side: that confidence comes from somewhere real, and when a Know Better finally buys in, they become powerful champions of the idea. The key is to coach through curiosity rather than correction. Ask them questions, invite their expertise into the solution, and let them discover the new path themselves. When they feel respected, the “but” slowly softens into an “and.”
• The Considers
  Considers are the thoughtful processors who need a little room to breathe before they commit. Hand them feedback on the spot and you might get a quiet nod, but give them a day and they’ll come back with insight you never expected. When you work with a Considerer, expect pauses, follow-up conversations, and decisions that are deliberate rather than impulsive. They thrive when they’re offered options instead of orders, because choosing their own path helps them own it fully. Don’t mistake their silence for resistance; it’s reflection in action. Give them time, offer a few clear choices, and check back in, and you’ll see thoughtful, lasting change that sticks.
• The Gratitududers
  Gratitududers are the energizers who hear feedback and immediately respond with “Thanks, and... can you show me more? Can I try this? Can we take it further?” They don’t just accept coaching, they run with it and ask for the next level. When you work with a Gratitududer, expect enthusiasm, momentum, and a steady stream of ideas and requests. They see every piece of feedback as a doorway to new possibilities, and their excitement is contagious for everyone around them. The only thing to watch for is keeping pace with their energy, so help them prioritize and focus their many “can we” ideas into meaningful action. Coaching a Gratitududer is like adding fuel to a fire that’s already burning bright, and it’s one of the most rewarding experiences a leader can have.