The role of the coach

Coaches play a significant role in the development of the skills of any skier.  A good coach can help a skier develop their skills to maximize their potential in the sport of Alpine ski racing.  Recently one of my coaches told me that a coach is a tool in the learning process of ski development, and it is important that an athlete learn how to use that tool to the best of their ability, otherwise the athlete will struggle to meet their potential.  How does the athlete learn to use the coach as a tool?