Revenue Builders

Adaptability and Coachability

Feb 2, 2025

Exploring the power of adaptability, the discussion highlights its role as a strength rather than a weakness. Job-hopping is now seen as a norm, reflecting the evolving job market. The podcast delves into the psychology behind resistance to change, linking coachability and curiosity to personal growth. Leaders are urged to understand trust dynamics and the root causes of employee resistance to coaching. Ultimately, embracing change is key to reaching full potential in business and leadership.

07:06

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Quick takeaways

Adaptability is often misunderstood as a weakness, yet it is crucial for achieving long-term career success and growth.

Being coachable and open to change is essential for overcoming stagnation and unlocking one's full professional potential.

Deep dives

The Importance of Adaptability in the Workplace

Adaptability is essential in today's rapidly changing work environments, where employees frequently transition between companies. The tendency to present oneself as fully capable can hinder a person's willingness to embrace necessary changes, reflecting a fear of appearing weak. This reluctance can manifest as a lack of trust or the perception of micromanagement from employers, suggesting deeper issues related to communication and a person's ability to accept feedback. Addressing these dynamics is crucial, as failure to acknowledge vulnerabilities can stall professional growth and damage team relationships.

Intro

3min

The Interconnection of Coachability and Adaptability

2min

Understanding Trust Dynamics in Leadership

2min

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan dive into the critical role adaptability plays in career success. They explore why some professionals resist change, how coachability and curiosity shape growth, and what leaders should look for when hiring top talent. Through real-world examples and insights, they unpack the psychology behind adaptability, trust, and long-term potential in business and sales leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[00:00:25] The Misconception About Adaptability – Many professionals mistakenly see adaptability as a weakness rather than a strength.
[00:01:28] The Evolution of Career Mobility – Job-hopping is no longer a red flag but an expectation in today's job market.
[00:02:39] Trust, Micromanagement, and Coaching Resistance – Leaders should examine the deeper reasons behind employee concerns about trust.
[00:03:44] The Fear of Change and Growth – Some individuals resist coaching because they fear exposing what they don’t know.
[00:04:07] The Link Between Coachability and Adaptability – Success depends on both being coachable and having the courage to act on feedback.
[00:04:58] The Ceiling Effect in Performance – Those who resist change often never reach their full potential.
[00:05:25] Curiosity as a Key to Growth – A lack of adaptability often correlates with a lack of curiosity.
[00:06:47] Recognizing and Managing Resistance in Employees – Leaders must understand when an employee’s resistance to change is really about their comfort zone.

QUOTES

[00:02:17] "It’s not a problem not to know, but it is a crime punishable by death not to do anything about it and not to ask."
[00:04:07] "Coachability and adaptability go together—you have to be coachable first, then courageous enough to change."
[00:04:58] "The best performers never protect their current level—they always push for what’s next."
[00:05:25] "Curiosity and adaptability are deeply connected—those unwilling to ask ‘what if’ often resist growth."
[00:06:09] "When employees pull the ‘trust card,’ it’s often their last resort to avoid change."

Listen to the full conversation through the link below.
https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/the-importance-of-recruiting-behavioral-traits-with-chaz-maclaughlin

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Check out John McMahon’s book here:
Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4

Check out Force Management’s Ascender platform here:
https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/

Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0

Read Force Management's eBook: https://www.forcemanagement.com/roi-of-sales-messaging