Feedback or Criticism? How You Hear It Matters

Being Coachable: What Have You Been Resisting?

For Sales Leaders Everywhere

This is the fourth post in our series on what it takes to be coachable. In the last post, we looked at how ready you are to be coached and explored questions to help you identify where to look. Let’s continue that work. As you consider being coached toward a new level of achievement, ask yourself:

• Does coaching have to look or sound a certain way for me to accept it?
• Do I only want encouragement, or can I also handle some straight talk?
• Can I listen without becoming defensive if the feedback doesn’t match what I already think—or believe I’m doing?

Can I Hear Instruction as Contribution?

• Am I so sensitive that anything less than glowing praise feels like criticism?
• Can I appreciate the courage it takes for a coach to tell me something I might not want to hear?
• Can I recognize those observations and directions as a commitment to my success?

Will I Take Direction—or Resist It?

• When my coach gives me guidance, do I follow it?
• Or do I “yea, but…” my way out of it?
• Do I hear coaching as optional suggestions—or as actions that will move me forward?

This is where the rubber meets the road: Can you truly hear what your coach is telling you, accept their wisdom, and put uncomfortable new actions into play? That’s the heart of being coachable.

You chose to work with a coach because you want something—and you don’t yet know how to get it. So, take the direction, step into the discomfort (because it will arise), and let it go.

As Henry Ford said, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eye off the goal.” Stay focused on your goal. Stay focused on your actions.

Now, go ask yourself—will I listen to my coach and take their direction?

oxo
Jody