Dear Daughter,
Are you coachable, Elsa? Hmm. I know that 19 year olds typically don’t like to go to their moms for advice, but that is the reason why I’m documenting all of my lessons for you. You will be able to look back at them when you need to. All jokes aside, when you’re not learning, you become stagnant, and that means you’re not making any career progress— knowing you, Elsa, that is not an option. You have plans and dreams, and so you need to learn to be coachable.
The best way to do this is to think of yourself as a lifelong learner. See every moment as an opportunity to learn something new. It can be learning a new fact, a new way to communicate, or a new way to negotiate. Always observe, listen and learn. Remember that it is equally important to learn what not to do, as well as what to do. Even the worst teachers are also teachers— learn from other people’s mistakes. Grandpa once jokingly asked how I turned out so good, and I told him I looked at him and mom and did everything the opposite!
I ask each person I interview what area they are looking to grow and develop professionally, and how I can coach them as a manager. If the person doesn’t have an answer, I don’t hire them. Someone who is not actively focused on evolving will prevent the company from progressing. That can be detrimental, especially if you are a small business owner.
Being coachable is not always easy, but it's critical if you want to achieve the next level of success. Ask your manager and coworkers for feedback. Feedback is not always easy to receive, but remember that all feedback is a gift. It will enable you to grow and improve, and will change any perceptions that people might have about you. When people give you feedback, try not to take it personally or get upset. I know that this is easier said than done. It can actually be very difficult. I’ve received feedback in my career that I haven’t agreed with, but you just need to be positive and try to change their perception. One way to process feedback is to ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand fully. Be sure to ask them how they think you can change their perceptions, and how they would approach the situation. It’s sometimes easier for the person not receiving the feedback to see possible solutions, and to view a situation from a different perspective. Just remember that you don’t have to agree with given feedback; look at it subjectively and focus on your action plan. Nothing hinders coachability like your ego, so put it aside.
I wouldn’t be where I am in my career, Elsa, if I didn’t make it my mission to constantly learn new things. Working on GrassPass, I’ve had to learn accounting, how to obtain trademarks, working with lawyers, building websites, and many other things. These are all things that I’m not necessarily passionate about learning, but no lesson is a wasted moment— I invested my time to learn. Knowledge is power.
