Are You Coachable?

Anyone of a certain age can relate to the Peanuts image of Lucy sitting behind her little booth, offering advice to anyone willing to listen. But for those who are not, Lucy was a central character in the Peanuts cartoon that likened herself as a  bit of a know-it all. Given the era of that cartoon, the only “coaching” happening at the time was on the athletic field. Coaching as we know it today, in business or personal development, didn’t begin entering the mainstream until the early 1990s.

Even then, most of what passed as coaching was seminar-based, led by the guru of the week who told weekend participants what to do and then sold a package wrapped around those commandments. I bring this up for a reason. As a young practitioner in the early 2000s, that was the landscape, the “guru route.” And while those experiences benefited me in many ways, I’m not sure I would have chosen one-on-one coaching back then had it been an option.There was strength in numbers at those seminars, and choosing that path felt safe simply because so many others were doing the same.

Looking back, I’m not sure I would have been coachable. Yes, the coach is admitting he might not have been open to coaching. If nothing else, I’m being honest. It’s taken me a lifetime to understand how I operate, what I resist, and what opens me up to new ideas. On a recent morning walk, as I thought about my next blog, this realization struck me:

All coaching, in some way, shape, or form, is beneficial, but only when both sides are ready to engage.

There are a few key elements that determine whether that engagement works.First, the coach must believe that the client already holds the answers, and that by asking the right questions in the right way, those answers can emerge. Second, the client must want to be coached. Not told. Not fixed. Coached. And third, the exchange itself must be greater than the sum of its parts. My best coaching happens when I’m challenged to go deeper, when I feel that spark of connection, engagement, and pushback, when the client’s desire to win pulls me toward my best work too.

Not everyone is coachable. And not every coach is a match for every client. Experience has taught me both truths. But if you’re curious whether coaching might be right for you, start here.

Below is a brief self-assessment, a primer to help you decide whether you’re truly ready to begin the process.

🟦 What Is My Coachability Score?

Answer each statement on a scale of 1–5
(1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree).

🟦 Goals

1. I set clear, specific goals for my business rather than vague intentions.

2. I review and update my goals regularly.

3. When a goal feels overwhelming, I break it down into smaller steps instead of putting it off.

🟦 Reality

1. I regularly assess what’s working and what’s not, without sugarcoating.

2. I can identify my own blind spots and ask others for feedback.

3. I don’t avoid financial or operational data, even if the numbers make me uncomfortable.

🟦 Options & Obstacles

1. I actively explore new strategies rather than recycling the same old approaches.

2. I seek input from mentors, peers, or advisors before making key decisions.

3. When I face resistance or discomfort, I push forward rather than procrastinate.

🟦 Way Forward

1. I create action steps with clear timelines, not just “someday” plans.

2. I follow through on commitments, even when distractions compete for my attention.

3. I make accountability a priority — I welcome check-ins and progress tracking.

Add up your total score (maximum = 60).

• 48–60: Ready & Accountable
  You’re highly coachable and have the discipline to translate coaching into results.

• 36–47: Coachable With Gaps
  You’re open to coaching but may struggle with consistency or procrastination. Coaching will help tighten your execution.

• 24–35: Inconsistent
  Your intentions are strong, but procrastination, avoidance, or lack of follow-through may limit progress. Coaching can help unlock accountability and momentum.

• 12–23: Not Yet Ready
  Performance blockers outweigh readiness. Until you’re prepared to face them, coaching may not deliver results.

Reflection: Something to Consider

1. When was the last time you allowed someone to challenge your thinking without defending your position?

2. How willing are you to change a habit or belief that may be limiting your growth?

3. Do you tend to seek validation, or are you genuinely open to exploration?

4. Could you see coaching as a partnership rather than a prescription?

Ready to take the next step in your growth journey?  Schedule a coaching conversation today.
Dr. Rob

aligncoachingco.com
aligncoachco@gmail.com
954-609-6980

Align Coaching Co. – Vision Around Corners