How Coachable Are You?

How do you feel about receiving feedback at work? Do you welcome it, or do you cringe?

Effective leaders understand the value of coaching and feedback, both giving and receiving, when it is done with care. Sometimes we need another point of view to understand how we are really perceived by others. If we are willing to accept feedback, it can make us feel more appreciated, and guide us to better performance. Those who are willing to accept feedback also become better at giving it.

So why do some of us get so nervous about it? Because we tend to worry more about negative messages than to expect positive ones. In fact, coaching can (and should!) be used to recognize success as much as improve performance. It can generate new ideas. What about ‘negative’ feedback? Most people who have been coached realize it is not so scary after all, and usually very helpful.

Here are some tips for becoming more coachable:

o Trust in the good intentions of the person giving you feedback. Even if they are not yet skilled in the process, they are making an effort to help you succeed.

o Recognize that it’s normal to feel nervous. Many people are uncomfortable hearing things about themselves, whether positive or negative.

o Focus only on listening. Breathe. Pay attention to the full message, verbal and non-verbal.

o Take time to absorb feedback before you respond. Don’t dismiss it or react defensively. Use what you hear as a starting point for more conversation, if necessary.

o Make sure you understand. The feedback process requires effort from the receiver as well as the giver, so ask for clarification and examples if you need to. By the end of the conversation, both parties should be satisfied with the result.

o Be honest. If it’s really not the right time, or if you feel overwhelmed, say so. Be prepared to come back and start again later.

o Ask for feedback. Requesting a coaching session when you feel ready can make it more comfortable for you.

o Look toward the future. Coaching can help you grow. If you choose not to accept feedback, not to change, will your current path take you where you want to go?

Advance Corporate Training Ltd. (www.actraining.com) is offering a new one week Workplace Performance Coaching certificate. Public workshope in Vancouver, Yellowknife and Inuvik - in house also available. Contact us at 604.521.5473 or events@actraining.com for more details.