Coaching: Evoking Excellence in Others is an insightful, thought-provoking
guide that dissects the art and science of coaching.
Beginning with theories, concepts and models, the book moves on to consider
rigorous methods of practice and self-observation in a relationship of mutual trust,
respect and freedom of expression. It will probe you to rethink how you relate to your
clients and your staff, how you produce long-term excellent performance in yourself and
how you can become more effective in helping others to achieve their goals
This third edition includes a new chapter on communication and a new central case study
that runs throughout the book to illustrate the impact of the themes and concepts
discussed in the book.
Coaching, 3rd edition is a rich learning resource guide for new and experienced
coaches who want to challenge their methods of partnering with clients. It is also an
inspiring guide for training managers and leaders, human resource development managers and
general managers who want to develop their teams.
* New edition of a coaching classic—let James Flaherty guide you through the
principles and practice of helping others to achieve their goals
* Theoretically rigorous, thought-provoking and practical—dissects the art and science
of coaching and offers clear structures for implementing effective self-improvement and
personnel development programs
* Revised and updated to include new material on the latest approaches, with a new chapter
on communication and a new central case study running throughout the book
James Flaherty, founder of New Ventures West and co-founder of
Integral Leadership, designs coaching courses and leads classes throughout North America,
South Africa and Europe. He has coached top executives at many Fortune 500 companies and
is a highly sought after speaker at meetings and conferences. Over the past two decades,
James has led coaching and leadership courses involving thousands of people. His
innovative approach to coaching, known as Integral Coaching, integrates recent discoveries
in linguistics, developmental psychology, twentieth-century philosophy and biology into a
widely-acclaimed, practical method of self-improvement and personnel development.
Table of Contents
Foreword xi
Preface to the Third Edition xv
Preface xix
How to Use This Book xx
Limits of the Text xxi
Acknowledgments xxiii
Orientation xxv
Introduction xxvii
1 The Foundation for Coaching 1
Why Coaching Now? 1
What Is Coaching? 3
Operating Principles of Coaching 9
2 Basic Principles 15
What Is a Human Being? 15
Language, Observation, and Assessment 23
3 The Flow of Coaching 31
Stage 1 Relationship 33
Stage 2 Openings 34
Stage 3 Assessment 35
Stage 4 Enrollment 36
Stage 5 Coaching Itself 37
4 The Coaching Relationship 39
Mutual Trust 40
Mutual Respect 42
Mutual Freedom of Expression 44
5 Openings 51
Habits 51
Social Identity 53
Openings 55
6 Assessment Models 59
Model 1 Five Elements Model 62
Model 2 Domains of Competence 70
Model 3 Components of Satisfaction and Effectiveness 73
Using These Models 76
Applications of the Models to Our Case 78
7 How Things Really Get Done 83
Speech Act Theory 83
Requests 86
Promises 90
Offers 91
Assertions 93
Assessments 95
Declarations 98
Conversation for Relationship 100
Conversation for Possibilities 101
Conversation for Action 102
8 Enrollment 107
9 Coaching Conversations 115
Types of Conversation 116
Type 1 Single Conversations 117
Type 2 Several Conversations 120
Type 3 132
Assessment Exercise 144
Self-Observation Exercise 145
Practice Exercise 146
10 Stuck 151
Client Being Stuck 151
Program Being Stuck 153
11 Getting in Condition for Change 157
What's Necessary for Change 158
Assessing the Client's Readiness 159
What To Do with What You Find 161
12 Track Two: Working with Ourselves 169
Truing Questions 170
Self-Development Process for Coaches: Skills and Qualities 170
The Process: Working with Yourself 174
The Process: An Example 175
Definitions 178
How Bob Turned Out 178
Conclusion 181
Appendix A Self-Observations 183
Appendix B Practices 193
Bibliography 205
About the Author 213
Index 215