Citation
Nolan, S. (2008), "Business Coaching: Achieving Practical Results through Effective Engagement", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 7 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/shr.2008.37207aae.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Business Coaching: Achieving Practical Results through Effective Engagement
Recommended reading
Business Coaching: Achieving Practical Results through Effective Engagement
Peter Shaw and Robin LinnecarCapstone PublishingOxfordISBN 978-1-84112-741-5
The authors of this book, Peter Shaw and Robin Linnecar, are experienced business coaches who can currently be found at Praesta Partners. Their belief in, and enthusiasm for, business coaching is evident in the book, in which they share practical advice to help others experience the benefits for themselves.
They provide a clear explanation of what business coaching is and what it is not, how it should work from the perspective of everyone involved and how it links to positive business outcomes. Effective engagement is the key to positively impacting the business and needs to be evident in the relationships between coach and client, and coach and sponsor. Everyone needs to be engaged and to benefit in order for the business to benefit and the authors provide advice on how to achieve this.
Their enthusiasm is not unbridled and a realistic tone is maintained as the authors point out the pitfalls and potential disadvantages. There are comments from coaches, clients and sponsors and real examples to show the theory in practice and maintain a practical edge throughout. The book also attempts to dispel misconceptions and myths surrounding business coaching, one being that it is a “soft” option. In the forward, they say:
It is not cosy chats without purpose. Coaching is about focused conversations in which the individual feels both strongly supported and effectively challenged and stretched.
The book shows business coaching to be a robust and effective practice and it may be a useful tool for HR teams looking to dispel similar misconceptions in their own organizations.
Topics covered in the book include:
- •
The impact of coaching.
- •
What makes a good coach.
- •
Different formats for coaching.
- •
Coaching starts at the top.
- •
Contexts where coaching can make a significant difference.
- •
Meeting business priorities.
- •
The difference between coaching and mentoring.
- •
Introducing coaching programs into an organization.
- •
Running coaching in your organization.
- •
Coaching across international boundaries.
Sara Nolan Editor, Strategic HR Review