The coaching development industry is booming. The growth and popularity of coaching have increased significantly over the last decade. This has resulted in a growing number of books and tools designed to help coaches improve their craft. There are so many books out there it’s hard to determine which ones are worth your time and money.
Today, we will share with you five famous coaching development books that will help you as a coach grow, learn, and improve.
1. The Discomfort Zone by Dr. Marcia Reynolds
This book teaches us how to move beyond transactional coaching and inspire breakthroughs. All we need is presence and courage – to be there for our clients in the here and now. To listen with full-body listening and to let go of our blind spots. The book is laid out and written in easily digestible nuggets. I’m convinced that every coach should read it.
2. The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching by Marion Franklin
This volume is written specifically for life coaches. To fully benefit from the advice in this book, it is best to read it with a notebook and pen. A unique aspect of this book is that it asks questions about the text. This way, you get the chance to reflect on what you have read. In essence, the book is the foundation for new masterful coaching. The book is well-written and easy to follow.
3. Effective Group Coaching by Jennifer J. Britton
If you’re planning on working with groups – in any way (including webinars, workshops, team or group coaching), this book is your bible! And to be honest, if you’re a coach, you’re likely going to work with a group at some point. I think it should be required reading for new coaches.
4. Coaching for Performance (fifth edition) by Sir John Whitmore
This is an excellent book that summarizes the art of coaching in an organizational context. It gives a clear introduction to the GROW Model offers ideas for motivating, finding a sense of purpose, and getting things done. The writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. I’d recommend this book to anyone who is about to start coaching.
5. The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Unlike other books mentioned above, this publication is specifically for leaders. Bungay aims to teach leaders coaching techniques that can be used alongside leadership skills. Michael Port offers you seven powerful essential questions that he has turned into a coaching habit in this book. If you wish to create your coaching habit, you can use the end of each chapter to create one. The book is well written, concise, and extremely useful to leaders at all levels.