Even if you are the best coach in the world, if the person you are coaching shouldn’t be coached, the coaching isn’t going to work. The good news is that the “uncoachables” are easier than you think to spot. How do you know when someone is uncoachable? How do you detect a lost cause? Following are four indicators that you are dealing with one of these people:
Great post Marshall and great discussion. One request I sometimes ask questionably uncoachable is, “Tell me about a time when as right as you thought you were was as wrong as you turned out to be and how that came to be and then what you did.” The longer they pause, the longer I pause before working with them.
Even the most optimistic part of me who always wants to believe in people enjoyed reading this because deep down I am certain that people change only if they want to and not because of some fantastic training or coach. Thanks for sharing Marshall.
I guess it all starts with a desire (however slim) to become more self aware and grow as a result . If I can spot and cultivate that desire , the seemingly uncoachable could perhaps chose a new path , higher levels of energy, awareness and growth. Discounting prematurely would be a lost opportunity for the coachee as well as the coach .
How do you know if the coachee is pursuing the wrong strategy? This presumes that the coach knows enough to determine business strategy for the coachee’s industry, company and team.
Thank you Marshall for all you are sharing with the community of coaches and leaders. I might offer an addition to the first point - She doesn’t think she has a problem and isn't interested /committed to learning. Part of a good coaching process is gathering data and I have had several clients who began with not thinking they had a problem or a challenge they needed help with, but was interested in learning. As to the potential client who is pursuing the wrong strategy, can you say more as to how you would judge that when meeting that potential client, or does this happen after doing interviews?
Thank you so much, Marshall! I love these instances where one is better off running for the exit.
I have faced these other set of people. They have been told that they need coaching but in their mind, this is not the right time as they have full days and therefore no time. What they don't realize it that many a time, that is exactly why they need coaching.
I recently spoke to a startup CEO who was supposed to be coached. His take was that he was too busy to be coached. According to the venture fund leaders, he needed it right away. There is this fallacious argument that once they finish what they are doing, they will have lots of time to take on other things, such as Coaching. That day, unfortunately, never comes, does it?
Coaching is like any other solution provided. It needs to fit the client. Coaching also like any other solution has to have a dedicated user so you they can leverage the offering to the maximum. "I have the best treadmill in the industry but I never use it" Is it the treadmill or me? Thank you Sir!
Great post Marshall and great discussion. One request I sometimes ask questionably uncoachable is, “Tell me about a time when as right as you thought you were was as wrong as you turned out to be and how that came to be and then what you did.” The longer they pause, the longer I pause before working with them.
Even the most optimistic part of me who always wants to believe in people enjoyed reading this because deep down I am certain that people change only if they want to and not because of some fantastic training or coach. Thanks for sharing Marshall.
I absolutely loved this! As always, your clarity was a welcome break in my day.
I guess it all starts with a desire (however slim) to become more self aware and grow as a result . If I can spot and cultivate that desire , the seemingly uncoachable could perhaps chose a new path , higher levels of energy, awareness and growth. Discounting prematurely would be a lost opportunity for the coachee as well as the coach .
How do you know if the coachee is pursuing the wrong strategy? This presumes that the coach knows enough to determine business strategy for the coachee’s industry, company and team.
Thank you Marshall for all you are sharing with the community of coaches and leaders. I might offer an addition to the first point - She doesn’t think she has a problem and isn't interested /committed to learning. Part of a good coaching process is gathering data and I have had several clients who began with not thinking they had a problem or a challenge they needed help with, but was interested in learning. As to the potential client who is pursuing the wrong strategy, can you say more as to how you would judge that when meeting that potential client, or does this happen after doing interviews?
Thank you so much, Marshall! I love these instances where one is better off running for the exit.
I have faced these other set of people. They have been told that they need coaching but in their mind, this is not the right time as they have full days and therefore no time. What they don't realize it that many a time, that is exactly why they need coaching.
I recently spoke to a startup CEO who was supposed to be coached. His take was that he was too busy to be coached. According to the venture fund leaders, he needed it right away. There is this fallacious argument that once they finish what they are doing, they will have lots of time to take on other things, such as Coaching. That day, unfortunately, never comes, does it?
Where would you put these people?
- Sudhir Rao
Coaching is like any other solution provided. It needs to fit the client. Coaching also like any other solution has to have a dedicated user so you they can leverage the offering to the maximum. "I have the best treadmill in the industry but I never use it" Is it the treadmill or me? Thank you Sir!