Cultivating Coachability

“The coach doesn’t run the race. The athlete does.” — Clare Norman

In Cultivating Coachability, Clare Norman challenges us to see coaching not as a performance, but as a process — a “learning laboratory” where clients build the muscle of independent thinking. It’s a refreshingly honest, deeply practical book that shifts the spotlight from coach to client in all the right ways.

This idea — that coaching is less about giving insight and more about supporting someone else’s learning journey — resonated powerfully with me. It affirms something I’ve always believed: that our job as coaches isn’t to provide answers, but to believe in the client’s ability to find them.

Why This Book Matters for Coaching

Clare Norman’s description of coaching as a learning space gave new language to something I’ve felt intuitively. Coaching is where thinking happens — real, raw, creative, sometimes uncomfortable thinking. And our role is to make that space safe, brave, and productive.

One idea that especially stood out: clients may not yet trust their own thinking — but we can. As coaches, we hold the belief until they can hold it for themselves.

This ties directly to ICF Core Competency 4.1: Seeks to understand the client within their context, which may include their identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs. And it also reaffirms Competency 2.4: Develops and maintains a mindset that is open, curious, flexible, and client-centered.

“The coach doesn’t run the race. The athlete does.” That image has stayed with me. We don’t push, direct, or drag our clients forward — we walk alongside them, holding the belief that they’re capable of running, falling, learning, and growing.

Three Insights That Shifted My Perspective

1. Coaching Readiness Matters

We often assume that if someone signs up for coaching, they’re “ready.” But Cultivating Coachability reminds us that readiness isn’t just about showing up — it’s about a willingness to think. Coaching isn’t passive. Clients must be willing to explore, reflect, and engage.

This insight reshaped how I think about intake conversations. Now, I spend more time discussing what coaching is — and what it requires.

That approach aligns with ICF Competency 3.1: Explains what coaching is and is not and describes the process to clients and stakeholders.

“Coaching readiness isn’t passive or reactive.” It’s an active choice to step into growth.

2. Redefining Chemistry Sessions

Norman invites us to rename the common “chemistry session” — calling it a “compatibility meeting” instead. This isn’t just semantics. It’s a mindset shift.

“Chemistry” can feel vague or emotional. But “compatibility” centers the work: Can we think well together? Can we co-create a space for learning?

This idea has helped me be more intentional about those first conversations. I now ask questions that get to the heart of working together — values, communication style, and expectations.

This connects with ICF Competency 3.5: Partners with the client to determine client-coach compatibility.

“Compatibility is about being able to work successfully with someone else.”

3. Coaching as a Learning Experience

At its best, coaching is a form of adult learning — relevant, contextual, effortful, and generative. Clare Norman gives structure to that idea, helping coaches think like facilitators of growth, not just holders of powerful questions.

As someone whose top CliftonStrengths talent is Learner, this resonated deeply. It reminded me to be even more intentional about inviting reflection, engagement, and ownership from clients.

“Learning is most effective when it is relevant, contextual, engaging, effortful, generative, and social.”

Applying Coachability to Everyday Coaching

Since reading Cultivating Coachability, I’ve begun rethinking my client journey — from first contact to final session. Here are a few shifts I’m making:

• Clearer intake conversations — clarifying what coaching is and what it demands.

• Meaningful compatibility meetings — exploring not just chemistry, but collaboration.

• Intentional learning design — treating each session as a step in a learning arc, not a performance review.

By doing this, I’m honoring the idea that clients are thinkers — and that coaching is a space where they can discover their own wisdom.

“Clients who understand and embrace their role as thinkers will experience deeper, more sustainable change.”

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of coachability, I invite you to listen to our full episode of The Coaching Book Club Podcast. Alongside co-host Ken McKellar, I unpack more insights from Clare Norman’s book and explore how to create a more empowering, engaging coaching process from start to finish.

Coaching isn’t just about what happens in a session. It’s about how we frame the work, honor the learner, and build trust in the process.