First Steps in Coaching is an essential guide for anyone starting out in the coaching profession and for existing coaches seeking to develop their craft. It is a practical introduction to the theory, skills and art of coaching.
The book's structure follows the reader's progression from novice to professional coach, making it an indispensable companion every step of the way. Part one, Learning to Walk, sets out the basics of coaching and considers the key skills of listening, questioning and playing back. Part two, Learning to Run, explores a variety of practical and ethical issues, and looks at coaching as a line manager and coaching a team. Part three, Learning to Dance, examines more advanced topics such as the coach's use of the self and the nature of the coach-client relationship.
The book:
- Uses clear, uncomplicated language throughout
- Explains key ideas through brief illustrations from the author's practice and quotes from leading writers on coaching
- Contains a wide selection of ideas, models and exercises to stimulate the reader's learning
- Encourages students to try things out in conversation, and reflect upon and make sense of their experiences
First Steps in Coaching is a must-have book for anyone interested in coaching skilfully, ethically and effectively.
Table of Contents:
PREFACE
PART ONE: LEARNING TO WALK: THE BASICS OF COACHING
Learning to Coach
What is Coaching?
Directive and Non-directive Coaching
Listening to Understand
Questioning
Playing Back
PART TWO: LEARNING TO RUN: DEVELOPING YOUR PRACTICE
Contracting
Practical Issues
Ethical Issues in Coaching
Tools You Might Use in Coaching
Feedback and Psychometric Instruments
Coaching as a Line Manager
Coaching a Team
PART THREE: LEARNING TO DANCE: MORE ADVANCED STEPS
Cognitive and Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Coaching
Other Approaches to Coaching
Supporting Confidence and Motivation
Coaching as a Relationship
The Inner Game of Coaching
The Use of Self in Coaching
Establishing Yourself as a Professional Coach
About the Author :
Bob Thomson is an experienced coach and management development professional. He currently works at the University of Warwick where he acts as a coach, facilitator, supervisor and mediator. He leads the University's Certificate and Diploma in Coaching, and has set up an MA in Coaching through action learning. He is a Member of the Association for Coaching. He was formerly Leadership Development Manager at National Grid Transco.
Bob has written a number of other books on coaching and learning and development:
- Growing People: Learning and developing from day to day experience
- Don't Just Do Something Sit There: An introduction to non-directive coaching
- The Coaching Dance: A tale of coaching and management
- Non-directive Coaching: Attitudes, Approaches and Applications
Don't Just Do Something Sit There was published in Chinese under the title, which reflects the notion of Socratic questioning, Modern Midwifery: the art of coaching.
He may be contacted by e-mail at bob.thomson@warwick.ac.uk
For information on his private practice as a coach, supervisor and mediator, visit his website www.bobthomsoncoaching.com
Review :
There is nothing more useful than a well thought through book on coaching written by a thoughtful, reflective, experienced practitioner, teacher and author...This comprehensive and easy to read guide to the first (and second steps!) in coaching is I predict, destined to become a classic. Clearly laid out and signposted, it practices what it preaches in giving frequent and excellent exercises (some 53 in all) throughout the book. It is itself a coaching framework to enable both the new and experienced coach and the line manager to gain the awareness, responsibility and confidence to help themselves and others to grow and move forward.
Reading Bob Thomson’s First Steps in Coaching was a reassuring exercise, reminding me yet again that in the worlds of counselling/psychotherapy and coaching there is far more that connects us than separates us...First Steps in Coaching will give you a solid idea whether you think coaching is for you, give guidance to line managers or offer a reminder of coaching fundamentals for the more experienced practitioner.
