Coachability Notes

It often starts with success. A leader gains traction, builds a strong reputation, and becomes known for getting things done. The meetings get bigger. The decisions get tougher. People stop giving advice and start expecting answers. And somewhere in that momentum, something starts to drift. Not confidence. Not capability. Coachability. Coachability is the behind-the-scenes engine of

By Kevin Wilde and Pete Berridge Why do we keep circling on the same feedback carousel? Despite decades of books, keynotes, and toolkits, feedback at work still feels broken. Leaders struggle to give it. Employees brace to receive it. HR pros are stuck in the middle, wondering why all of this hasn’t made much of

I can still hear the squeal of chairs pushing away from the conference room table. As the new guy in the organization, I had just broken an unwritten rule of the culture: never raise a controversial topic without thoroughly vetting it out one-on-one in advance. I had just moved from an East Coast conglomerate where

I must have looked comically out of place, lying on my back in the gym, attempting a new exercise that required moving opposite arms and legs in sync while balancing an exercise ball. It wasn’t going well. My trainer, Alex—a gentle yet muscle-bound coach—offered a few simple pointers that made a difference. With a bit

A recent NY Times article on fitness pain hit home. “Why ‘Unbalanced Muscles Can Cause You Pain” (October 14, 2024) reports that repeatedly doing the same type of activity – whether it’s running, lifting or sitting – can have serious downsides. In my case, it was right hip pain. After a doctor’s appointment, an x-ray

“How do I give feedback to my boss?”

While I try to steer that question back to first serving as a coachable role model, I’ve learned to provide a few cautions and tips.

“On average, how old is everyone?” While somewhat unusual, I’ve learned to ask conference organizers this question as I prep to present the research and case for leadership coachability.  Of all the background information on audience interests, occupations or even conference themes, the most usual guide to fine-tune a relevant message is to understand the

Eddie was known for a sharp intellect and unwavering determination. As head of a growing healthy snacks start-up, Eddie had propelled the company from a mere idea to a disruptive force in the industry. But beneath the veneer of success, a storm brewed within the organization. Though effective in driving results, Eddie’s leadership style was

Imagine rushing to an important meeting, your mind racing through the agenda, when a light on your dashboard suddenly flickers to life. It’s a symbol you vaguely recognize but hope never to see. Your heart skips a beat. Do you ignore it, hoping it’s nothing serious, or do you pull over, risking being late but

Poor starts can be reversed if you remain coachable. Consider Sir Winston Churchill and a torn letter.

The unceasing demands of the modern world, with round-the-clock communication and an ever-increasing pace of work, can quickly lead to burnout. It’s crucial to find an escape from the relentless pressures and demands.

This is a post about Adam Grant’s trade secret that keeps him on the top of his game, and something you’ll want to use, too.

This month marks the one-year anniversary of publishing “Coachability: The Leadership Superpower.” Reflecting on the writing journey, I hope the book has helped others as they read about blind spots, faulty assumptions, and the power of claiming the power in the coachable learning zone.

Mara Lawler’s first sit-down conversation with her CEO ended with a surprising assignment. New staff members were routinely invited to an informal introductory session with Mark Urdahl, head of Red Wing Shoes, but this discussion included a not-so-routine  ask. “What surprised me was Mark’s request to return in a few weeks and share with him

Do you struggle to receive feedback positively? You’re not alone. Many high performers find it difficult to take in feedback, and they may have automatic, defensive voices that prevent them from fully understanding what’s being said. However, with practice, you can build the muscle memory needed to respond in the best possible way in stressful

Coaching and feedback can either strike us as Opportune or Uncertain. What’s the difference and how create a safe harbor when reflecting.