Are you Coachable?

What does it mean to be Coachable??? You hear that term around athletics quite a bit, but what does it actually mean? How can you apply it to yourself and your classroom?

All good questions! Let’s look a little deeper and unpack what this really means:

Being coachable, or coachability, means you are capable of being taught and trained to do something better. You can accept criticism, take advice and be willing to change in order to make yourself better. It is an individual’s desire and willingness to seek and be open to constructive feedback in order to increase performance. Being coachable is a skill that needs to be developed, honed, refined and built on. It is something that comes from the culture of the team, squad, or classroom.

That’s right….the classroom!!!!

What does being coachable mean in the classroom? I see the classroom no differently than I see the football field, baseball diamond or pool (sports that I have coached). It has just taken me a few years to step away from that environment to realize the similarities. When you step back, it is no different than the music department preparing for a concert, musical or play. All these specialties require the same type of culture or climate. In the classroom, we call it being teachable. Coachable and teachable are interchangeable terms.

So, how do you become coachable? How do you promote coachability in the classroom? John Wooden once said, “A coach is someone who can give correction without resentment.” When you are in front of the students, you need be sure you can give feedback in a manner that students can accept and receive it. The difference between feedback and criticism is how it is received. You need to make connections with students before they can feel safe enough to accept feedback in a constructive manner.

Remember, being coachable is up to the athlete, or student, not the coach!

What are the traits of becoming coachable (or teachable)? Here are a few that come to mind. This is by no means an exhaustive list.

• Listening to what is said, not necessarily how it is said.
• Understanding that they (the coach or teacher) really want to see you succeed.
• Make eye contact. Don’t roll eyes or ignore the feedback
• Be open and honest with yourself and coach/teacher
• Ask for feedback. More than just asking if this is ok?
• Be prepared. Be ready.

What will you gain from being coachable? You will see greater success. You will have better relationships with everyone. You will accelerate your learning. And, above all, you will find yourself in a better state of mind. Less stress. Less pressure. More success!!!

As you look at your class this year, I want you to be able to look at your class and create a culture of openness, understanding and relationships. This will be beneficial to everyone and allow you to be the teacher that you always wanted to be.