The struggle to be coachable.

One of the most challenging things you can do is start a new job. There are new names to learn, new procedures to adopt, and new ways of doing things. It is challenging for a senior professional because you have developed working methods that match your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. In this economy, old dogs must learn new tricks, or they will become unemployed. The global economy is unforgiving, and I want to discuss the importance of being coachable.

When we say someone is coachable, they are willing to learn and approach things with curiosity instead of judgment. It is easier to write that line than to live it in practice. Over time, we develop work habits that may or may not coincide with the culture of our new workplace. New managers have styles that seem alien. Finally, our ego often gets in the way of learning new things. When confronted with new demands on their ability, this is what a person does.

The question of how to be more coachable has been gnawing at me like a hungry dog with a fresh bone for some time. How do I put aside my experience, prejudices, and ego to learn something new and different? I stumbled on it while watching television the other night. My friends are big fans of the television show Ted Lasso, and during an episode, I heard the line, “Approach people with curiosity instead of judgment.”

The line sat there floating in the ether for a few minutes, and I could not get it out of my heat that night while I was sleeping. Instead of judging others or the situation, approach it with curiosity. People act the way they do for a reason. Sometimes, it is the only way they know how to behave because it advances their career. Other times, they suffer from abuse and contempt from their managers and feel it is acceptable to treat others the same way. I also suspect time pressures and additional responsibilities can overwhelm anyone. If you understand why someone wants something done a particular way, you can figure out how to provide it.

Suppose this sounds like the basic approach to “managing up” in your organization, and you are correct. Your boss craves nourishment for their soul, ego strokes, and obedience. It is exhausting and takes time and energy from your leadership responsibilities and work. It still needs to be done. Your career survival could depend on it.

I will focus this week on working from a position of curiosity instead of judgment. If my hunch is correct, I will be more coachable, and I will have more success.

Until next time.