Coachability: Kevin Wilde on How to Keep Growing After the Big Promotion

Today’s guest is someone who’s made a career out of helping leaders not just level up—but stay coachable while they do it.

Kevin Wilde is an executive leadership fellow at the University of Minnesota and a lifelong student of what makes leadership stick. He brings over three decades of experience from the front lines of leadership development, including senior roles at General Electric and as the Chief Learning Officer at General Mills. He is also author of the award winning book, “Coachability: The Leadership Superpower”.

These days, Kevin splits his time between teaching Executive MBA students, advising top companies on talent strategy, and researching one of the most overlooked leadership superpowers: coachability.

He’s been recognized with awards like Chief Learning Officer of the Year and named #1 in global leadership development by multiple publications—but what really sets Kevin apart is his curiosity, humility, and ability to make leadership learning both practical and human.

__

Let’s dive into the juicy bits of this chat about the importance of coachability for leaders, especially those who have just snagged a promotion. We kick things off by tackling that oh-so-common mindset that creeps in once you get a shiny new title: “I’ve arrived.” Spoiler alert: that kind of thinking can seriously hold you back. We explore why leaders often hesitate to ask for feedback and how that can lead to a downward spiral in their growth. Our guest, Kevin Wilde, shares some gems on how being open to input is not just a “nice-to-have” but a total game changer for engagement and performance. Plus, we dish out practical tips to help you stay in that learning zone and keep your leadership game strong. So grab a comfy seat and get ready for some insightful banter that could just change the way you lead!

Climbing the corporate ladder is like trying to juggle flaming torches—exciting, but one wrong move and it can all come crashing down! In our latest chat with Kevin Wilde, we unpack the critical concept of coachability for leaders. He’s got some serious street cred, with years at companies like General Electric and General Mills, and he’s here to remind us that just because you’ve got a title, it doesn’t mean you’ve got it all figured out. The conversation kicks off with Kevin’s take on the common misconception that comes with promotions—‘I’ve arrived!’ But, as he points out, that’s often when the learning should ramp up, not slow down.

We explore the research behind why many leaders stop seeking feedback and how this can lead to a disconnect with their teams. It turns out that being coachable isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for maintaining engagement and building solid relationships. Kevin shares his insights on how leaders can stay in their ‘learning zone’ by actively seeking feedback and reflecting on their growth. Plus, he offers up actionable tips for fostering a culture that encourages curiosity and openness. So, if you’re looking to elevate your leadership game, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a refreshing take on what it means to be a leader who’s not just in it for the title, but genuinely invested in growth!

Takeaways:

• Stepping up in leadership doesn't mean you've arrived; it's a continuous learning journey, dude.
• Promotions can lead to a lack of curiosity; don't let confidence blind you from feedback.
• Coachability is a superpower for leaders; it enhances performance and engagement across teams.
• Asking for feedback is crucial, but it requires a mindset shift to be open and humble.
• Engaging in after-action reviews can help foster a learning culture in teams, boosting everyone's growth.
• To build your coachability, seek input actively and practice reflective habits consistently, my friend.

Links referenced in this episode: