Are You Coachable? The Real Key to Growth
Being coachable is not just about accepting criticism; it's about embracing continuous improvement and recognizing that no matter how skilled you are, there is always room for growth.
In the late 1980s, Michael Jordan was at a crossroads. Despite his undeniable talent and scoring prowess, he was repeatedly thwarted by the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs. The Pistons, known for their physical and relentless style of play, had developed the infamous "Jordan Rules" — a defensive strategy designed to neutralize Jordan's effectiveness. Year after year, the Pistons emerged victorious, pushing Jordan and the Bulls to their physical and mental limits. The rivalry was fierce, epitomized by the Pistons' refusal to shake hands after their defeat in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals, a gesture that cemented their disdain and competitive spirit.
Jordan, who was often criticized early in his career as a "ball hog" — someone who dominates the ball and does not involve teammates — realized something had to change. His brilliance was not enough to overcome the collective strength of the Pistons. Exhausted and frustrated, Jordan sought a new approach.
In an interview, sports journalist Sam Smith noted, "Jordan's decision to transform his game was pivotal. He recognized that to win championships, he needed to trust his teammates and play within a system."
Jordan started to listen to his coach, Phil Jackson. Jackson, a former NBA player and a coach known for his unorthodox methods and deep understanding of the game, introduced the triangle offense. This system emphasized teamwork, spacing, and ball movement. Jackson's philosophy was influenced by his time with the New York Knicks and his studies of Zen Buddhism, which he integrated into his coaching style to build a cohesive team dynamic.
Determined to improve physically, Jordan employed the services of Tim Grover, a renowned strength and conditioning coach. Grover's rigorous training regimen focused on making Jordan stronger, faster, and more enduring. This physical transformation, combined with his willingness to listen and adapt, marked the beginning of Jordan's ascent to becoming not just the best player in the world, but the most accomplished player of all time.
Jordan also understood the importance of leveraging the strengths of his teammates. He learned to trust Scottie Pippen, who was better at rebounding and playmaking, allowing Jordan to focus on his scoring and defense. By understanding his own strengths and weaknesses and trusting his teammates to fill the gaps, Jordan became a more complete player and leader.
What Does “Coachable” Mean?
Being coachable means having the openness and willingness to learn, grow, and improve through guidance and feedback. It involves actively seeking feedback, listening attentively, processing it constructively, and implementing changes to enhance performance. Coachability is rooted in a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning, requiring humility, resilience, and a proactive approach to self-improvement.
A lack of coachability can have severe consequences. Data shows that many professionals get fired not for lack of skill, but for their unwillingness to accept feedback and adapt. For instance, a study by Leadership IQ found that 26% of new hires fail within the first 18 months due to their inability to accept feedback. Additionally, Harvard Business Review noted that uncoachability is a significant factor in leadership derailment, with 60% of executives failing due to their inability to learn and adapt.
Learning from Champions
Michael Jordan's story is a testament to the power of being coachable. His willingness to adapt and grow led to six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and his status as a global icon. Beyond his playing career, Jordan became a billionaire and the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, exemplifying his business acumen and continued growth mindset.
Phil Jackson leveraged his skills in creating a coachable environment to win 11 NBA championships as a coach, earning the nickname "The Zen Master." His ability to manage egos and foster teamwork was pivotal in leading teams to success.
Tim Grover went on to coach other NBA champions like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. Bryant, known for his relentless work ethic, won five NBA championships and was named Finals MVP twice. Wade, a three-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, credited Grover for helping him maintain peak performance throughout his career.
The success stories of Jordan, Jackson, and Grover all stem from the coachability of one player. Jordan's transformation influenced a culture of growth and adaptability, proving that being open to feedback and willing to change can lead to unprecedented success.
Wrapping Up
Being coachable is not just about accepting criticism; it's about embracing continuous improvement and recognizing that no matter how skilled you are, there is always room for growth. Michael Jordan's journey from being a ball-dominant scorer to a well-rounded leader showcases the transformative power of coachability. It's a lesson that applies beyond sports to any area of life. By being open to feedback, actively listening, and implementing changes, you can unlock your full potential and achieve greatness.
In the end, the real key to growth lies in your ability to be coachable. So ask yourself: Are you coachable? Your answer could be the turning point in your journey to success.
