The first part of this reflection was considering the lens of the coach. The second lens we are looking at for the coachability jigsaw is through the lens of the client.
Coachability through the lens of a client is the ability of a client to be open, reflect, learn and change. As a coach understanding coachability is important because it helps you be a more effective coach and helps your clients achieve their agendas more successfully.
For any client considering coaching there are some aspects to consider:
1. Being open to new ideas and approaches and are eager to learn and improve.
2. Willing to put in the effort required to make changes and approaching challenges with a growth mindset.
3. Being able to self-reflect.
4. Committed to their own growth and development and being willing to put in the time and effort required to make changes, to be accountable for their own progress.
So, while there are core client coachability factors, which the client needs to hold themselves accountable for, it is also important for the client to be aware and clear on who is the coach they will partner with.
We have seen the coaching industry grow over the last number of years, there are more coaches than ever before. As a client, it is important to be clear on what to look out for in a coach. As a practicing coach myself as well as a coach who loves to be coached and have supervision, here are a few pointers to consider before you engage in any coaching partnership with a coach:
1. What do you know about the coach you are considering a partnership with? Ideally get a personal referral.
2. You will want to partner with a coach who will support your transformation rather than hold a nice conversation with you!
3. Partner with an accredited coach. There are three main global coaching accrediting bodies – ICF – EMCC and AC. With so many coaches across the coaching industry, partnering with an accredited coach is more important than ever. As a client you are ensuring your coach has received recognised coach training and a level of coaching hours.
4. Ask your potential coach do they receive regular coaching supervision?
5. Are they the ‘right’ coach that will partner well with you on your agenda and be there to partner with you on your transformation? Or are they a coach which will seek to hold onto you as a client by creating a space where you become dependent on your coach (run very fast away from this coach!).
So, there is a lot to consider in the area of coachability both for the coach and the client!
By Susie Leacy, Student at Sandown Business School.
Studying the Master Diploma in Leadership Coaching & Mentoring with Science, Artistry and Science.