Coachable

Coachable is an adjective describing a person who is receptive to instruction, feedback, and guidance, and willing to adjust behavior to improve performance. The term is used across domains, including sports, business, education, and personal development. It contrasts with uncoachable or resistant to feedback.

In sports, coachability is often cited as a critical predictor of progress; players who listen to coaching, implement adjustments, and seek clarification tend to improve more quickly. In corporate settings, coachable employees respond to coaching, accept performance reviews, and modify strategies, contributing to team learning and adaptation.

In education, coachable students engage with feedback, set goals, and reflect on their work. They show curiosity, persistence, and accountability, and they handle criticism without defensiveness.

Developing coachability involves cultivating a growth mindset, seeking regular feedback, asking clarifying questions, and practicing new skills with deliberate repetition. It also requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes as learning opportunities.

The word is formed from coach and the suffix -able, indicating ability, and is widely used in American English. Related concepts include teachability and growth mindset.