Why Feedback is a Gift and How to Respond to Coaching the Uncommon Way

In a world dominated by highlight reels and personal statistics, one skill often overlooked is being coachable. It may not show up on the scoreboard, but it shapes who thrives, who grows, and ultimately who leads.

Whether you are a star athlete or a role player, your capacity to accept, utilize, and learn from feedback sets you apart. At Battle Tested™ by EDGE™, we believe that coachability is the uncommon advantage. It forms the foundation of leadership, character, and long-term success both on and off the field.

What Does It Mean to Be Coachable?

Being coachable is not about agreeing with everything your coach says. It requires humility to listen, courage to reflect, and discipline to act. Coachable athletes view feedback as a gift—an opportunity to grow rather than a personal affront.

In our Student-Athlete Leadership Assessment (SALA), various leadership roles, such as The Workhorse, The Sherpa, and The Bench Coach, highlight the importance of coachability. These roles thrive not on raw talent but on a mindset that views feedback as fuel.

Here’s what coachability looks like in action:

• You welcome constructive feedback, even when it's tough to hear.

• You implement suggestions quickly and consistently.

• You ask questions to understand, not to defend.

• You don’t take correction personally; you take it seriously.

• You show up daily with the mindset: “How can I get better today?”

  
  

Why Is Coachability So Important?

Coachable athletes grow faster, earn trust, and enhance their teams. The impact of coachability can ripple beyond the locker room. It is a foundational skill that shapes your future in college, at work, and in life.

Coachability Drives Development

Great athletes are not born; they are built. Feedback serves as the blueprint. Coachable players are “learn-it-alls,” not “know-it-alls.” They utilize every film session, practice, and timeout to sharpen their skills.

Coachability Builds Trust

When coaches see that you take feedback seriously, trust is earned. You become someone they can count on—not just for effort, but for growth. This behavior often influences teammates, who will follow your lead when they observe you modeling respect and responsiveness.

Coachability Prepares You for Leadership

Do you want to lead your team? Start by leading yourself. The best captains were once the best followers of instruction, correction, and direction. Coachability is the pathway to leadership.

Why Feedback Is a Gift

Too often, athletes perceive “feedback” and brace for criticism. Yet, feedback is the language of growth. It helps close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Reframe the Way You Think About Feedback:

• Feedback isn’t an insult; it’s an investment.

• Feedback isn’t about who you are; it’s about who you can become.

• Feedback isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.

  
  

Each time a coach, teammate, or mentor provides insight—even if it stings—it presents an opportunity to rise. Imagine it like game film: you don’t review it to feel good; you review it to get better.

The Uncommon Way to Respond to Coaching

At Battle Tested, we promote what it means to be “uncommon.” This involves leading with character, making intentional choices, and adhering to higher standards, especially in private. Choosing to be coachable is an uncommon choice in today’s culture that often emphasizes ego and excuses.

Five Ways to Respond to Coaching the Uncommon Way:

1. Pause the Ego

   Your initial reaction to feedback is often emotional—especially when it’s unexpected. That’s natural. However, uncommon leaders learn to pause the ego, breathe, and listen. Do not react; instead, reflect.

   Uncommon response: “Thanks, Coach. I hadn’t considered it that way before. Let me work on that.”

   
   

2. Own the Gap

   Coachable athletes take ownership. If your coach identifies a flaw, your goal should not be to defend it but to close the gap. You may not resolve it overnight, but take responsibility for your next step.

   Uncommon response: “You’re right; I’ve been slow on rotations. I’ll review the film and adjust my angles.”

   
   

3. Ask for Clarity

   If you don’t comprehend the feedback, ask for clarification. Don’t fake it! Face it. Inquiring does not indicate weakness; it reflects wisdom.

   Uncommon response: “Can you show me where I lost leverage on that play? I want to improve.”

   
   

4. Follow Through

   Feedback holds value only when it leads to action. Be the person who follows through. Do the extra reps, watch the additional film, and implement the changes—even when no one is watching.

   Uncommon response: Quietly rectify the issue, then earn the praise later.

   
   

5. Say Thank You

   This is a transformative act. Say “thank you” for feedback, even the harsh kind. Coaches do not correct players they’ve given up on. When you receive feedback, it signals belief in you.

   Uncommon response: “Thank you for pushing me. I needed that.”

   
   

Coachability in the SALA Leadership Roles

Within our SALA framework, various leadership roles highlight the power of coachability:

• The Workhorse: models consistency and humility, persistently performing the little things correctly.

• The Sherpa: aids teammates and coaches, listening empathetically and responding maturely.

• The Comeback Kid: harnesses setbacks and the feedback that comes with them to drive their return.

• The Bench Coach: flourishes in a support role, often serving as a secondary voice for coaches in the dugout or locker room.

  
  

Every role exemplifies that you don’t require a “C” on your jersey to be a leader. What you need is to be coachable.

Final Whistle: Coachable Is a Choice

Talent might get you noticed, but coachability will keep you in the game. It earns you minutes, mentors, and moments that will shape your future. Every day presents a choice to be uncommon: to listen instead of argue, to apply rather than excuse, to grow instead of defend.

Be coachable. Be uncommon. Be battle tested.

Want to Become Uncommonly Coachable?

Curious about your leadership style and your position on the coachability spectrum? Take the Student-Athlete Leadership Assessment (SALA) today and discover how you can lead yourself and your team the uncommon way.

📲 Visit https://www.battle-tested.us

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