Coachability of Business Owners (Dunning-Kruger Effect)

🤔 The “You’re Not Coachable” Talk

Had an interesting meeting a while ago. A friend connected me with an early-stage founder who was still in the ideation phase. Red flags started popping up immediately.

Every question I asked was met with “Oh yeah, I already thought of that” or “That won’t be an issue for us.”

Me: “How will you validate your target market?” Him: “Everyone needs this product, it’s obvious.”

Me: “What about competitor X?” Him: “They’re doing it wrong. We’ll be different.”

❗ Here’s the hard truth: If you think you have all the answers, you’re probably asking the wrong questions.

✅ Tips for early-stage founders:

• Embrace uncertainty – it’s where growth happens

• Listen more than you speak

• Write down feedback, even if you disagree

• Ask “why” instead of defending your position

• Seek mentors who challenge your assumptions

The most successful founders I’ve worked with share one trait: intellectual humility.

💡 Remember: Your idea is just 1% of the journey. The other 99% is learning, adapting, and evolving.

In my opinion, this is the typical representation of the #Dunning-Kruger Effect

💭 What’s the best piece of feedback you initially disagreed with but later proved valuable? Share your story below!

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