Are You Coachable? Discover What True Leadership Really Means

By Kimberley Borgens


As women entrepreneurs, we understand the profound impact of personal and professional growth on our journey to greatness. In this relentless pursuit, we harness the strength to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and make our mark on the world.

The journey to success is not just about acquiring skills and knowledge and being coachable. When we are willing to allow someone else to guide us through the rocky terrain of running a business, we can avoid common pitfalls as we receive the guidance we need.

The question is – are you coachable?

Today, we delve deep into the foundation of coachability – a trait that sets extraordinary achievers apart from the rest. On this path of self-discovery, you will learn to recognize and confront self-defeating beliefs that may hinder your progress. Together, we will redefine our limits and seize the opportunities that create our legacy.

The Foundation of Coachability

At the heart of every successful entrepreneur lies the foundation of coachability – a trait that propels ordinary individuals towards extraordinary achievements. As women entrepreneurs, we recognize the profound significance of embracing this transformative quality, for it is in being coachable that we unlock our boundless potential.

How do you know if you are coachable?

The journey to greatness begins with a willingness to listen, learn, and open our minds to new perspectives. It entails being receptive to constructive feedback and guidance, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable while acknowledging that growth comes from recognizing our areas for improvement. In this act of self-awareness and humility, we lay the first brick of our pathway to success.

Through my experience as a business coach, I have witnessed the remarkable transformations that arise from coachability. Many of my clients begin their journey with the assurance that they are already coachable, only to discover the depth of this trait during our interactions. It is common for individuals to realize that they possess unconscious self-defeating beliefs that hinder their progress. Shedding light on these limiting beliefs enables you to replace them with empowering affirmations that propel you forward.

The benefits of accountability

One key aspect of coachability is recognizing that the journey to success is not about doing it alone. You may be driven and independent, but it is crucial to understand that seeking guidance and mentorship is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it is a testament to your commitment to personal growth and determination to reach greater heights.

In entrepreneurship, time is a precious commodity. Embracing coachability allows you to fast-track your learning, drawing from the experiences of those who have already navigated the challenges you now face. When you acknowledge the value of the insights shared by experienced mentors and coaches, you save yourself from potential pitfalls and gain a more precise roadmap to your goals.

Coachability for daily life

Moreover, coachability extends beyond the realm of business. It seeps into every aspect of our lives, influencing our decision-making, communication, and relationships. As we learn to be receptive to guidance in our entrepreneurial endeavors, we also become more open to self-reflection and growth in our personal lives. This holistic approach to coachability enriches not only our businesses but also our overall well-being.

As women empowering women, we recognize the unique power of female business coaches in nurturing a safe and supportive environment for growth. We understand the challenges faced by fellow women entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, we create a space of understanding and encouragement. Together, we celebrate successes and face setbacks with unwavering determination, building a sisterhood of empowerment and resilience.

The Journey to Becoming Coachable

Becoming truly coachable is a remarkable journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. The key to our success lies not only in the guidance of an experienced coach but also in our willingness to embrace change and adopt a coachable mindset.

Step 1: Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Awareness

The first step on this journey is acknowledging that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a stepping stone toward growth. Opening ourselves to constructive feedback and guidance allows our hearts and minds to be receptive to new perspectives. Self-awareness becomes our compass, moving past self-limiting beliefs and uncovering the core of our true potential.

Step 2: Letting Go of Ego and Embracing Accountability

A vital aspect of the journey to coachability is releasing the grip of the ego. We must be willing to set aside our pride and recognize that we do not have all the answers. A truly coachable individual understands that seeking guidance and mentorship is not a sign of inadequacy but a testament to our commitment to excellence.

Step 3: Embracing Curiosity and the Hunger for Knowledge

Becoming coachable is to thrive on curiosity and have a hunger for knowledge. We approach each coaching session with an open mind, eager to explore new ideas and experiment with innovative strategies. Embracing a thirst for learning, we seek opportunities to expand our skill sets and refine our entrepreneurial acumen.

Step 4: Navigating Obstacles with Resilience

In our quest to become coachable, we must accept that challenges are an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey. However, we can also approach each obstacle with resilience and determination.

Step 5: Celebrating Growth and Empowering Others

As we continue on the path of being coachable, we celebrate every milestone achieved and growth attained. In the spirit of women empowering women, we inspire and uplift our fellow entrepreneurs, creating a culture of support and encouragement.

Cultivating a Coachable Mindset

Within each of us lies a coachable mindset – a fertile ground where the seeds of greatness are sown and nurtured. Cultivating this mindset is not a mere aspiration but a deliberate and empowering choice we make on our journey to success. This lies in our ability to embrace change, welcome feedback, and persevere through challenges with unwavering determination.

Let us delve into the elements that contribute to cultivating this mindset of growth and resilience:

  • Embracing Humility and Hunger for Improvement: At the core of a coachable mindset resides humility—recognizing that we are not infallible and there is always room for improvement. Despite our achievements, we humbly accept that there are lessons yet to be learned and skills yet to be honed.
  • Active Listening and Open Communication: We must learn to be attentive, engaged, and open-minded listeners. During coaching sessions, we silence the noise of distractions and wholeheartedly absorb the wisdom being shared.
  • Viewing Feedback as a Catalyst for Growth: Feedback is not a critique of our worth but a catalyst for our growth. A cornerstone of the coachable mindset is our ability to receive feedback with grace and gratitude.
  • Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Cultivating a coachable mindset instills in us the resilience to weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side. We are not disheartened by setbacks or failures; instead, we view them as stepping stones on the path to success.

Finding the Perfect Fit – Choosing the Right Coach

The guidance of a skilled mentor is like a compass that steers us toward success. However, finding the perfect coach requires insight, discernment, and a deep understanding of our aspirations.

Here are some tips for choosing the right coach.

  • Clarifying Your Vision and Goals: The quest for the ideal coach begins with a profound sense of self-discovery—a journey to define our vision and goals. Take a moment to envision your dreams – both personal and professional – and understand the milestones you aspire to achieve.
  • Researching and Exploring: Once you understand your vision, it is time to do some research and exploration. Read testimonials, explore success stories, and learn about the wisdom shared by potential coaches to find one that aligns with your needs.
  • Seeking Compatibility and Chemistry: In coaching, compatibility and chemistry are the magical ingredients that transform this relationship into an extraordinary alliance. As women entrepreneurs, we thrive in an atmosphere of trust, respect, and empathy. A coach who understands your journey, celebrates your triumphs, and supports you through challenges becomes a confidante and a pillar of strength.
  • The Courage to Invest in Yourself: Choosing the right coach is an investment in yourself, your dreams, and your potential for greatness. And you are the greatest thing worth investing in.

Coachability Beyond Business – Life Lessons and Impact

Being coachable, though deeply rooted in the business world, extends its reach far beyond entrepreneurship. Embracing these principles provides invaluable life lessons that resonate across all our personal and professional endeavors.

Here are some benefits of a coachable mindset in your personal life.

  • The Ripple Effect of Growth: When we open ourselves to coachability, we open the floodgates to growth and evolution. This process sets in motion a ripple effect that touches every area of our lives. The insights gained, the skills honed, and the wisdom acquired through coaching become the building blocks of our personal development.
  • A Mindset of Lifelong Learning: Coachability instills in us a mindset of lifelong learning—a hunger for knowledge that knows no bounds. This quest for growth transcends the boundaries of formal education, propelling us to explore new interests, cultures, and ideas.
  • Paying It Forward – The Gift of Mentorship: The impact of coachability goes full circle when we, as recipients of mentorship, become mentors ourselves. As we absorb the teachings and guidance of our coaches, we realize the significance of paying it forward—of becoming a source of inspiration and support for others.

Embracing the Support of a Coach

The guidance of a skilled coach propels us forward, empowering us to navigate uncharted territories with confidence and grace. Remember that seeking support and mentorship is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our commitment to success.

The promise of growth, wisdom, and greatness comes with each new chapter that unfolds. Trust your capacity to evolve, and embrace the belief that you are destined for remarkable achievements. 

Kimberley Borgens

About the author

Kimberley Borgens was married at 18, a mother at 19, and divorced at 20, she has journeyed from being a single mom on welfare to recognizing her strengths, fighting for what she believes in, and successfully building 5 thriving businesses with hundreds of employees and million-dollar budgets. Kimberley is a speaker, business mentor, and coaches her clients to transform their small business into a thriving business. Kimberley is living her own legacy as she inspires and motivates women to be fearless, become more like a CEO of their business and life, and enjoy the freedom they've dreamed of. She knows what it's like to start from nothing and build a strong solid business and she can help you too.

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