Module Six: Coachability
It was silent on the other end of the line. I was in a conversation with a seasoned executive and had just delivered some coaching help concerning her leadership. I admit my first impulse was that I had offended her. I was wrong. In a moment she explained, “I am processing what you’re saying and applying it to my recent experiences. I am also thinking of how I’m going to use this information in the future.”
I came away from my conversation with a renewed respect for this leader. She demonstrated the two characteristics that all great leaders possess: the discipline to listen to feedback and the humility to learn from it.
With all of the turmoil in our society today, it appears that we need more leaders like her. Those who have the ability to truly listen and learn. Admitting that we don’t have all the answers and being open to gaining new insights is where respect begins.
I am actively working on the skill of listening to gain insight from those with different experiences and perspectives than mine. When we choose to lead with our ears first, we will make a difference.
Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Great leaders are not just those who know how to give direction. They are the ones who listen, learn, and adapt. Leadership is about more than having the answers; it is about being open to growth, willing to improve, and setting an example for others to do the same. Understanding that learning never stops is the foundation of Coachability, a core value of Servant Leadership at MSS.
Coachability is the ability to accept feedback, reflect on it, and take action to improve. More than just listening to advice, it requires a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. A coachable leader actively seeks input, applies what they learn, and follows through to create meaningful change. At MSS, Servant Leadership is not just about guiding others, but cultivating a mindset of growth and improvement at every level.
No one has all the answers, and that is why the best leaders never stop learning. Mentorship and coachability are both important to leadership growth, but they serve different purposes. Mentorship is about providing guidance, teaching others, and helping them develop their skills. It is about sharing what you know to help others succeed. Coachability, however, is about staying open to learning, no matter where the insight comes from—whether it is a supervisor, a coworker, or a direct report. A leader may be an excellent mentor, but without coachability, their own development can stall.
“Coaching is unlocking people’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
This module explores four key aspects of coachability and how they contribute to strong leadership. Self-awareness is the foundation, helping you recognize your strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of your actions. The next step is overcoming ego, which allows you to set aside defensiveness and accept feedback with an open mind. Humility helps you see feedback as an opportunity rather than a challenge to your authority. Finally, applying feedback in a meaningful way ensures that learning leads to real improvement, not just discussion.
Leaders who embrace coachability set the tone for a culture where learning is valued, improvement is expected, and trust is built through accountability. When you commit to learning from others, you do more than strengthen your own leadership—you encourage those around you to do the same.
As you go through this module, take a moment to reflect on your own approach to growth. Do you welcome feedback with an open mind? Do you apply what you learn? Most importantly, how can you use coachability to become a stronger, more effective leader? Let’s get started!
