Episode 136: The Coachability Advantage—Transforming Leaders into Catalysts for Change

The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast

Published: May 8, 2024

Details

Coachable leaders distinguish themselves by actively seeking and responding to feedback, a practice that not only enhances their personal growth but also significantly influences their leadership efficacy. In this episode, we’ll explore how embracing feedback can catalyze positive changes across various leadership dimensions, from advocating for change to fostering inclusivity within teams. Drawing insights from Kevin Wilde’s insightful book, Coachability, and extensive data collected from over 4,000 leaders, this episode unpacks the remarkable benefits of staying in the learning zone—where seeking feedback, responding thoughtfully, reflecting, and taking actionable steps forge a path to exceptional leadership.

Key Takeaways

  1. Coachability as a Driver of Success: Coachable leaders exhibit a distinct mindset characterized by openness to feedback and a proactive approach in seeking and incorporating suggestions from others. This trait not only fosters personal growth but also significantly impacts leadership effectiveness.
  2. Lessons from Dyson’s Iterative Process: The relentless pursuit of improvement, exemplified by James Dyson’s countless prototypes, underscores the importance of incorporating feedback into the creative process. Dyson’s success demonstrates the value of accepting feedback and refining ideas based on others’ input.
  3. Catalytic Effects of Coachability: The podcast delves into the concept of coachability as a catalyst for positive change across various leadership dimensions. Through data analysis, it highlights a direct correlation between a leader’s coachability and their overall effectiveness as perceived by direct reports.
  4. Attributes of Coachable Leaders: Coachable leaders are perceived as strong advocates for change, continuously striving for improvement, and adaptable to evolving needs and situations. They foster an environment conducive to innovation and encourage collaboration and inclusivity within their teams.
  5. Business Results and Development Focus: Coachable leaders are not only focused on achieving positive business outcomes but also demonstrate a genuine concern for the development of themselves and others. They serve as role models, inspire high performance, and capitalize on diverse perspectives to foster cooperation and inclusiveness within their teams.

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