We all reviewed the book “Coaching Skills by Jenny Rogers in our monthly book club.” As part of the evening, I ask individuals what fresh insights they have gained? And for me, they were – An excellent benchmark for anyone wanting to train as a coach and for practising coach’s a tool to use as part of their CPD. Page 158 brought a smile to my face as I recently mentioned this to Jenny in some correspondence between us, and I was not aware it was in her book the Idiom was “How do you make God laugh? Tell him your plans. I find life has many twists and turns for myself and my coaching clients, so this Idiom is good to keep you in balance.
As with all Jenny Rogers books, this book is written richly and pragmatically in an easy-to-follow design. Jenny shares her own experiences and gives case studies from her coachee’s perspectives. You can dip in and out of the book as there are various chapters on coaching subjects that will stretch you—backed up with theory, techniques and coaching approaches that will work for any coach, whether starting or working as a seasoned coach.
The book is a popular text for coach training schools worldwide, brought to life with dozens of case studies and practical guidance while also emphasizing the importance of underpinning psychological awareness and understanding.
Dr Jonathan Passmore sums the book up by saying, “A straightforward approach to the simple art of coaching conversations, while offering insight into the complexity and sophistication of coaching for those looking to take their practice to the next level.”
Substantially updated throughout, the latest edition has new material on coaching and the human brain, working with clients on their self-limiting beliefs, new models of understanding what coaching is and being a coach during the psychological stresses of a severe economic recession.
Here is what I enjoyed about the book:
The straightforward approach to the simple art of coaching conversations. Page 7 “Principle 1, The coach is resourceful.” Page 8 “Principle 2, The coach’s role is to develop the client’s resourcefulness through skilful questioning, challenge and support.” “Principle 3, Coaching addresses the whole person – past, present and future. “Principle 4, The client sets the agenda.” “Principle 5, The coach and client are equals.” “Principle 6, Coaching is about change and action.”
Page 56 “Talking about yourself – beware of your own emotions.” Page 58 “Managing boundaries, avoid the drama triangle.” Page 77 “The SCARF model – energy and emotions.” Page 178 “The Immunity to Change approach.” Page 187 “High challenge, high support – client trusts and likes coach, can learn even when uncomfortable. Relationship capable of being long and productive.” Page 202 “Accountability is a tricky concept as it can seem too much like teacher-pupil or boss-subordinate if it is done in the wrong way. Accountability in coaching is totally different as it is the coachee’s agenda and their ideas of where they want to change or make changes, and coachees also design the items for accountability, not the coach.” My comments are in bold.
This book is recommended for anyone who trains with me to become a professional coach via my company (EH Coaching Academy), an approved centre with ILM (The Institute for Leadership and Management.)