Coachability is critical in any position, especially for those in leadership!
Yet, many leaders will say they’re coachable. But when someone offers feedback, an opinion, or observation, the feedback (and person offering it) is often shut down.
- “I’m not interested.”
- “I didn’t ask for your input.”
- “Nobody else said that.”
For leaders, this is dangerous. When you’re not coachable, performance stalls, teams disengage, and results suffer.
What Are You Afraid of Hearing?
These fears show up in everyday leadership behaviors, often without leaders realizing it.
You fear:
- Being seen as incompetent. You avoid feedback, over-control decisions, and shut down conversations that might expose gaps.
- Being an imposter. You rely on bravado, hesitate to collaborate, or over‑prepare to avoid being “found out.”
- Looking imperfect. You hide mistakes, blame others, and resist learning new approaches.
- Others’ opinions about you. You delay decisions, avoid tough conversations, and sidestep accountability.
- Hearing the truth and being offended. You react defensively, shutting down honest dialogue and discouraging team input.
How This Impedes Your Success
- Blind spots. When you reject feedback, blind spots become performance barriers that derail results.
- Poor job fit. Misaligned leaders create chaos and turnover, while stalling initiatives.
- Everyone makes mistakes and experiences failures. Uncoachable leaders repeat errors and blame others.
- Resilience, flexibility, initiative are ignored. These traits collapse when leaders resist input and cling to outdated approaches.
Many times, leaders who are not coachable know they are not a good fit with the job duties, or lack the skills required and are afraid to say, “I need help!”
One man was upset he wasn’t considered for a manager position. His personality made it difficult for others to work with him. Instead of asking how to improve, he stated, “I should have had that job.” When someone offered advice, he’d shut them down by saying, “I’ve already done that.”
His lack of coachability didn’t just cost him the promotion, it damaged trust, reinforced his blind spots, and confirmed he wasn’t ready to lead others.
Everyone Makes Mistakes. Are You Able to Handle Yours?
This is the real test of leadership. Coachable leaders own mistakes and failures. They learn quickly, and move forward. Uncoachable leaders defend, deny, or deflect — and their teams notice.
Seven Ways to Fast‑Track Your Leadership Success
1.Job Fit. Learn about your blind spots by taking a PXT Select® assessment. It provides objective data and insights into who you are and why you do what you do.
- Do you talk a lot and fail to listen? Highly Sociable leaders struggle with that.
- Do you insist your way is the only right way? Highly Assertive leaders often do.
- Are you often in a hurry and lack patience? Highly Energetic leaders exhibit impatience.
Can you imagine working with someone with all three traits? Any or all of these can be difficult for many team members.
Remember, your personality traits normally don’t change; but being coachable helps you use these traits effectively and to your advantage.
- Get Your Brag On. Most leaders have never taken an inventory of their accomplishments, results, and impacts. This exercise builds confidence, strengthens decision‑making, and helps you communicate your value. Keep it updated and review, especially on tough days.
- Hire a Coach and Choose a Mentor. Hire an external executive coach who is a vault (someone who doesn’t talk about you to others). Select one or two industry/company mentors. Meet regularly and follow through on their advice.
Years ago, as a new entrepreneur, I remember working with a mentor who was also a business owner. She was great. When she recommended certain approaches or processes, I followed them and excelled. When I asked why she gave me the time she did, she said, “Because you are coachable and follow-through. Most do not; thinking they already know it all. It’s why they’ve failed.”
- Take Workshops and Participate. Stop thinking you already know it all or are waiting to figure it all out on your own. Face‑to‑face (in person or on screen) learning builds diplomacy, candor, and executive presence. Leaders who fail to participate don’t avoid looking bad, they create it.
- Listen to Videos and Podcasts. Many are well‑done and provide insights into leadership, communication, and accountability. Use them to expand your thinking and stay current. Again, use these new skills and work with your coach to ensure you’re using them effectively.
- Listen. Silence. Presence. These three often overlooked communication traits, elevate your leadership and effectiveness. A strong coach will help you master them, especially when you forget to use them.
- Project Management. This is where many leaders fail. You may have great ideas but poor follow‑through. Or you may excel at details but struggle with alternatives and moving the project forward (aka perfection, which is a myth). Execution requires alignment and keeping the team in action every step of the way.
Final Leadership Takeaway
If you want to fast‑track your leadership success, address these seven points by getting into focused action. Mastery takes time and coachability accelerates everything.
©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 34 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.