In the practice of Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art, at the start of class, students sit with their legs crossed, their backs straight, and their eyes closed for a brief meditation. With each slow breath, they quiet their minds and bodies, preparing to absorb the day’s lesson.
An often-used analogy to describe the process is a pitcher of water with two glasses, one half-filled and the other empty. When you pour additional water from the pitcher into the half-filled cup, it isn’t long before the glass overflows. If we start with an empty cup and pour from the pitcher, the glass can be filled to the top, signifying that an empty cup can absorb far more knowledge.
Similarly, readiness for coaching and the potential for success rests largely on the metaphorical fullness or emptiness of the coachee’s cup. Those who adopt the empty cup theory embrace the experience and support of an outside confidante—one that can act as a sounding board for new ideas, help them navigate conflicts and challenges, broaden their perspectives, identify skills to be developed, and call them out when limiting beliefs and blind spots cloud their judgment.
Overfilled Cups Hinder Progress
Those who struggle to reap the rewards of coaching and reach their full potential often find their water-filled glasses overflowing. For example, have you ever encountered a colleague who sought your counsel, only to dismiss every idea with a list of reasons why each wouldn’t work? When this behavior persists, despite repeated coaching on creative problem-solving, the inclination towards inaction will prevail over seeking resolutions. Overfilled cups hinder progress and prevent resolutions.
Other indicators of cups that runneth over are too-busy executives that claim they simply don’t have time to be coached. Perhaps they can draw inspiration from renowned business legends like Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Satya Nardella, Sheryl Sandberg, Reed Hastings, Bob Igor, and others. These leaders not only found time for coaching, but also experienced significant growth in their interpersonal skills, leadership development, decision-making abilities, self-confidence, expanded professional and personal networks…and more.
The most challenging cups to empty are those of individuals who were prodded into coaching relationships by exasperated bosses. Often deemed “difficult to work with”, they are taken aback by their peers’ perceptions. While initial reactions often lead them to lash out at the shortcomings of their colleagues, those who muster the courage to look inward gain newfound self-awareness that enables them to transform their relationships. However, those who are more concerned with preserving their egos than rectifying relationships and fostering collaboration with team members will inevitably miss out on the transformative outcomes that coaching can deliver.
Assess Your Readiness for a Truly Transformative Coaching Experience
The path to greatness and reaching your full potential starts with being coachable. Can you answer an emphatic YES to these 5 criteria?
- You bring a Beginner’s Mindset to the Coaching Relationship—You are open to new ideas as well as revisiting previous ones that may not have met with initial success BUT with possible modifications or a change in market timing, offer new possibilities
- You understand the importance of Active Listening—You prioritize listening without interrupting, observe visual cues for added meaning, and pay attention to the unspoken words and messages
- You are Willing to be Vulnerable—You acknowledge imperfections in yourself and others and create a safe space for sharing feedback, which builds trust among your team
- You are Committed to Your Personal and Professional Growth—You play full out and maintain a rock-solid determination to reach your full potential
- You Take Action and Hold Yourself Accountable—You embrace BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals), step outside your comfort zone and take consistent daily action, no matter how small the steps
Greatness starts with being coachable. If you bring the following 5 qualities to your coaching relationship, you’ll be well on your way to unleashing your full potential and realizing unprecedented growth in both your personal and professional life. Enjoy the journey!