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Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice
Hone your skills and strengthen your practice with this series of twenty-five fresh and provocative questions for reflection that challenge the conventional wisdom in the coaching profession.
Like any established profession, coaching is full of unexamined assumptions. These need to be regularly questioned and tested to keep the profession vital and valuable. Coaches need to engage in the same kind of scrutiny and self-examination that offers such powerful benefits to their clients.
In Positive Provocation, coaching thought leader Robert Biswas-Diener asks a series of twenty-five provocative and sometimes playful questions that take a fresh look at some of coaching's most cherished beliefs. What if coaches had agendas? Why are ethics so boring? What's so great about interrupting? Can we trust eureka moments? What if we used less empathy?
This is not an attack on the coaching profession-Biswas-Diener writes with a light, conversational, and often humorous touch. These are positive provocations, meant to stimulate your curiosity, engage you with the latest research, and invite you to see your practice with new eyes.
Biswas-Diener covers philosophies of coaching, communicating with clients, common coaching concepts, coaching interventions, and a big final should coaching be informed by science? This book will give you a richer understanding of the coaching process, make you more articulate about your own beliefs, and allow you to feel more engaged with the craft.
Like any established profession, coaching is full of unexamined assumptions. These need to be regularly questioned and tested to keep the profession vital and valuable. Coaches need to engage in the same kind of scrutiny and self-examination that offers such powerful benefits to their clients.
In Positive Provocation, coaching thought leader Robert Biswas-Diener asks a series of twenty-five provocative and sometimes playful questions that take a fresh look at some of coaching's most cherished beliefs. What if coaches had agendas? Why are ethics so boring? What's so great about interrupting? Can we trust eureka moments? What if we used less empathy?
This is not an attack on the coaching profession-Biswas-Diener writes with a light, conversational, and often humorous touch. These are positive provocations, meant to stimulate your curiosity, engage you with the latest research, and invite you to see your practice with new eyes.
Biswas-Diener covers philosophies of coaching, communicating with clients, common coaching concepts, coaching interventions, and a big final should coaching be informed by science? This book will give you a richer understanding of the coaching process, make you more articulate about your own beliefs, and allow you to feel more engaged with the craft.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
75 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 30, 2024
This is an absolutely fantastic book for professional growth for both novice and experienced coaches. Robert does an excellent job of inviting us to critically examine key assumptions that are often taken for granted in coaching and coach education (e.g. coaching is nondirective, you should not interrupt, eureka moments are likely to lead to future change). In short, engaging and easily digestible chapters, he provides us with a broader perspective on the potential pros and cons of following these assumptions. Sharing research from other areas of academia concerned with psychology and human change as well as learnings from his own coaching practice, he provides compelling explanations and examples of how there may be situations where more value can be delivered to clients by not following these assumptions. Each chapter then ends with thought provoking questions that encourage coaches to critically reflect on their own assumptions about coaching and their coaching practice. In summary, regardless of your level of experience as a coach, this is an excellent book for professional growth through either personal reflection or a book club (and I can say the latter with some confidence as I've been running one on behalf of ICF using Robert's book and participants love it!).
January 30, 2024
Beautiful writing and intriguing exporations
Positive Provocations is Robert Biswas-Diener at his best. Masterfully crafted and full or quirky examples and illustrative stories which bring his argument to life. Plus remarkably concise as philosophy becomes the lens to explore the field of coaching.
Obviously a great read for experienced coaches, it is also a beautiful example of a writer at their best.
Positive Provocations is Robert Biswas-Diener at his best. Masterfully crafted and full or quirky examples and illustrative stories which bring his argument to life. Plus remarkably concise as philosophy becomes the lens to explore the field of coaching.
Obviously a great read for experienced coaches, it is also a beautiful example of a writer at their best.
February 1, 2024
It's a must-read and a great resource. Impactful, and certainly thought-provoking, it stimulates deep reflection on many levels. This book tested my assumptions in meaningful ways and encouraged fresh insights that can be translated into practical application. Totally inspiring!
March 6, 2024
In my hands, I held a treasure. Not a chest overflowing with gold or jewels, but something far richer. Within its bound pages lay Robert's life journey, his years of personal and professional growth. It transcended the boundaries of mere coaching and positive psychology, delving into the very essence of being human.
This wasn't just a book; it was an invitation. An invitation to explore the art of practice, not in mastering a skill, but in mastering the art of being. It was a bridge, guiding readers towards deeper self-connection and the profound act of human connection.
Here, within these pages, coaching wasn't the destination, but a stepping stone. It was a map leading beyond the confines of specific techniques, venturing into the vast, uncharted territory of human experience.
The book wasn't complex or intricate; it was the very foundation, the bedrock upon which a life could be built. It was the fertile ground, enriched with the basic fertilizer of humanness, ready to nurture the seeds of growth. Growth not just for oneself, but for the greater good, the potential to blossom into a true humanitarian.
This treasure, this book, held the promise of a deeper connection, a richer understanding, and the blossoming of the very essence of what it means to be human. It was a gift, an invitation, and a map, all rolled into one.
This wasn't just a book; it was an invitation. An invitation to explore the art of practice, not in mastering a skill, but in mastering the art of being. It was a bridge, guiding readers towards deeper self-connection and the profound act of human connection.
Here, within these pages, coaching wasn't the destination, but a stepping stone. It was a map leading beyond the confines of specific techniques, venturing into the vast, uncharted territory of human experience.
The book wasn't complex or intricate; it was the very foundation, the bedrock upon which a life could be built. It was the fertile ground, enriched with the basic fertilizer of humanness, ready to nurture the seeds of growth. Growth not just for oneself, but for the greater good, the potential to blossom into a true humanitarian.
This treasure, this book, held the promise of a deeper connection, a richer understanding, and the blossoming of the very essence of what it means to be human. It was a gift, an invitation, and a map, all rolled into one.
June 29, 2023
As a contextual-behavioral coach trainer and supervisor I always focus on helping people think and work functionally about why we do what we do, when we do it, and to what end. Rigid rules and coaching protocols can be helpful for beginners who are learning a coaching stance, but don’t always prepare coaches to skillfully navigate complexity or ambiguity.
Coaching Jedi and world-class trainer and author Robert Biswas-Diener presents 25 incredibly rich provocations to help you become more flexible in prioritizing your clients and their goals while holding complex ethical questions. I especially appreciate that he doesn’t tell you what to do, but rather leads you into a depth of inquiry that allows you to think functionally on your feet based on what matters most. If you’re a coach committed to effective, transformative work this book is a must read.
Coaching Jedi and world-class trainer and author Robert Biswas-Diener presents 25 incredibly rich provocations to help you become more flexible in prioritizing your clients and their goals while holding complex ethical questions. I especially appreciate that he doesn’t tell you what to do, but rather leads you into a depth of inquiry that allows you to think functionally on your feet based on what matters most. If you’re a coach committed to effective, transformative work this book is a must read.
March 23, 2024
Robert has done it again... written a thought-provoking book that pushes the boundaries of our thinking! It is a must-read for coaches at all stages of their careers.
Robert's 90-degree approach to learning provokes curiosity and challenges entrenched thinking, encouraging readers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new perspectives. Positive Provocation in particular is like a delicious, multi-course meal that should be savored slowly with each morsel, taking time to consider the nuances and many facets of coaching, and exploring how the resulting shifts in thinking can transform your coaching. Thoughtfully consuming the ideas in Positive Provocation has truly elevated my coaching practice!
Robert's 90-degree approach to learning provokes curiosity and challenges entrenched thinking, encouraging readers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new perspectives. Positive Provocation in particular is like a delicious, multi-course meal that should be savored slowly with each morsel, taking time to consider the nuances and many facets of coaching, and exploring how the resulting shifts in thinking can transform your coaching. Thoughtfully consuming the ideas in Positive Provocation has truly elevated my coaching practice!
November 8, 2023
Exploring the pages of this new and captivating book, tailor-made for coaches, has been an absolute delight. What sets this book apart is its unwavering belief in your potential to become a great coach.
Rather than dictating specific methods or approaches, it presents a collection of positive provocations—25 thought-provoking prompts that serve as a catalyst for unearthing the answers that lie within you.
In delving into the various provocations within this book, I find myself appreciating the presence of a skilled and compassionate mentor who, through his own experiences, raises thought-provoking questions for my betterment. These inquiries invite me to reevaluate and examine my core beliefs in coaching.
Robert's approach leaves the door wide open, allowing readers to explore what resonates with them and follow their own paths. I admire the inherent #respect and #confidence in the writing, acknowledging that readers possess the capacity to make informed decisions about how they can enhance their skills and practice.
✅ This is undoubtedly a must-read for coaches who are ready to embrace challenges. The book considers varying levels of experience and learning styles, which is commendable.
✅ It's worth noting that encountering discomfort and tension is inevitable when our cherished notions are questioned, but this discomfort is a positive sign. After all, growth often emerges from discomfort.
❌ Don't read it if you have firmly entrenched yourself in following rigid "principles and rules' that you have invested countless hours in learning and practicing. It is intended for those with a bold spirit and a willingness to embrace new perspectives.
Rather than dictating specific methods or approaches, it presents a collection of positive provocations—25 thought-provoking prompts that serve as a catalyst for unearthing the answers that lie within you.
In delving into the various provocations within this book, I find myself appreciating the presence of a skilled and compassionate mentor who, through his own experiences, raises thought-provoking questions for my betterment. These inquiries invite me to reevaluate and examine my core beliefs in coaching.
Robert's approach leaves the door wide open, allowing readers to explore what resonates with them and follow their own paths. I admire the inherent #respect and #confidence in the writing, acknowledging that readers possess the capacity to make informed decisions about how they can enhance their skills and practice.
✅ This is undoubtedly a must-read for coaches who are ready to embrace challenges. The book considers varying levels of experience and learning styles, which is commendable.
✅ It's worth noting that encountering discomfort and tension is inevitable when our cherished notions are questioned, but this discomfort is a positive sign. After all, growth often emerges from discomfort.
❌ Don't read it if you have firmly entrenched yourself in following rigid "principles and rules' that you have invested countless hours in learning and practicing. It is intended for those with a bold spirit and a willingness to embrace new perspectives.
July 24, 2024
This book is aimed for experienced coaches, but I regardless found it interesting and valuable (I plan to become a coach).
It has 25 "provocations", as the author calls them. He questions and challenges some of the standard coaching practices like interventions, giving advice, interrupting the client, etc.
Compared to what we usually associate coaching with, I liked this new perspective.
It has 25 "provocations", as the author calls them. He questions and challenges some of the standard coaching practices like interventions, giving advice, interrupting the client, etc.
Compared to what we usually associate coaching with, I liked this new perspective.
April 11, 2024
Coaches can get out of their own ruts by considering the provocative questions Biswas-Diener raises. Should we study learning theory? Is coaching non-directive? How scientific should it be? And so on.
January 4, 2025
Insightful and useful
A valuable resource for coaches and leaders wanting to understand coaching and its benefits, while also improving their own practices. I found the analogies and tips offered by the author particularly helpful.
Thank you @Robert Biswas-Diener for this book.
A valuable resource for coaches and leaders wanting to understand coaching and its benefits, while also improving their own practices. I found the analogies and tips offered by the author particularly helpful.
Thank you @Robert Biswas-Diener for this book.
September 29, 2025
This very good book is not what I signed up for.
'Positive Provocation' is a series of questions and reflections for a coach to consider about their practice. It is not (directly) about coaching the client.
Good book; just more meta than I expected.
'Positive Provocation' is a series of questions and reflections for a coach to consider about their practice. It is not (directly) about coaching the client.
Good book; just more meta than I expected.
May 20, 2024
A great book for anyone who works in professional coaching! Robert Biswas-Diener provides 25 provocations to engage the reader in reflection about their coaching practice!
June 26, 2023
I co-authored a book with this guy so yes, I am biased.
Then again, why do you think I co-authored a book with this psychologist? Because he's one of the most intelligent, creative, forward thinkers that I know.
This book is fantastic. Crisp, short chapters that induce far more questions than answers. And if you are a coach or want to improve your intervention game, this is the type of book that offers another level. Maybe you are too wed to your training? Maybe you have stopped innovating and think you are a master coach/clinician? Consider this a test. Explore the chapters, each with their own deep question. Honestly, if this doesn't push you to think deeply about the craft, you need this book even more than imagined.
I am not even a coach and I found the questions to elevate my approach to conversations.
Check out his posts and comments on Linkedin. You will quickly discover that he is an inquisitive, thought provoking guy and his concern for improving the profession comes through on every page of this gem.
Then again, why do you think I co-authored a book with this psychologist? Because he's one of the most intelligent, creative, forward thinkers that I know.
This book is fantastic. Crisp, short chapters that induce far more questions than answers. And if you are a coach or want to improve your intervention game, this is the type of book that offers another level. Maybe you are too wed to your training? Maybe you have stopped innovating and think you are a master coach/clinician? Consider this a test. Explore the chapters, each with their own deep question. Honestly, if this doesn't push you to think deeply about the craft, you need this book even more than imagined.
I am not even a coach and I found the questions to elevate my approach to conversations.
Check out his posts and comments on Linkedin. You will quickly discover that he is an inquisitive, thought provoking guy and his concern for improving the profession comes through on every page of this gem.
February 5, 2025
What I enjoyed?
As a practicing coaching psychologist, what I liked the most is the number of psychological studies and theories that the auhor adopted to provide rationale for his 25 provocations, especially in Part 1 on coaching philosophies and Part 3 on coaching concepts whereas Part 4 on interventions seemed most practical but still informed by theory and research.
For example, I really enjoyed learning about drawbacks of non-direction (provocation 2), types of coaching agendas (provocation 3), negativity bias (provocation 4), and importance of ethics (provocation 5).
I also enjoyed the chapter on questioning the validity of eureka moments (provocation 14), which is a perfect example of how something very ingrained in the coaching ethos may turn out to be of questionable value in the light of empirical research.
Finally, I found practical to reflect on the recommendations for establishing cultural norms--e.g., vocabulary, roles, shared experiences--for a coaching relationship (provocation 19), helping clients see the positives of the negatives (provocation 22), or inviting them to take a different or surprising perspective (provocation 23).
When it comes to Part 2 on communication with clients and Part 4 on coaching interventions, I would argue that the majority of provocations stem from the fact that the author of the book was a trained clinical psychologist with a lot of expertise in positive psychology and coaching psychology.
I am also a trained psychologist and therapist in training, which is why the majority of the provocations don't sound provocative to me and actually make a lot of intuitive or clinical sense.
What I felt was missing?
There are moments in the book where the author does not emphasize the importance of assessment, transparency and client's involvement in the decision-making process, as demonstrated by research on client-coach/therapist alliance (see provocations 2, 3, and 4).
For example, I believe that the level of direction in coaching is something that should be contracted with the client, not decided independently by the coach. Also, everyone are driven by agendas, including coaches; the question is whether are we aware of them and are able to communicate them to our clients.
Elsewhere, it seems that the author is addressing coaches who, I would assume, have never read an academic book on psychology, taken courses in academic psychology, or studied psychotherapy. However, there are coaches like me who are also psychologists who had studied both ethics and learning theory and found both subjects interesting and useful.
There are coaches who are also practicing counselors and therapists who adopt many of the communication tools described by the author. Unfortunately, the author does not acknowledge that in his book and seems a little bit biased towards a specific flavour or group of coaches, which does not sound inclusive enough towards specialists like me.
Other than that, an interesting and engaging read.
As a practicing coaching psychologist, what I liked the most is the number of psychological studies and theories that the auhor adopted to provide rationale for his 25 provocations, especially in Part 1 on coaching philosophies and Part 3 on coaching concepts whereas Part 4 on interventions seemed most practical but still informed by theory and research.
For example, I really enjoyed learning about drawbacks of non-direction (provocation 2), types of coaching agendas (provocation 3), negativity bias (provocation 4), and importance of ethics (provocation 5).
I also enjoyed the chapter on questioning the validity of eureka moments (provocation 14), which is a perfect example of how something very ingrained in the coaching ethos may turn out to be of questionable value in the light of empirical research.
Finally, I found practical to reflect on the recommendations for establishing cultural norms--e.g., vocabulary, roles, shared experiences--for a coaching relationship (provocation 19), helping clients see the positives of the negatives (provocation 22), or inviting them to take a different or surprising perspective (provocation 23).
When it comes to Part 2 on communication with clients and Part 4 on coaching interventions, I would argue that the majority of provocations stem from the fact that the author of the book was a trained clinical psychologist with a lot of expertise in positive psychology and coaching psychology.
I am also a trained psychologist and therapist in training, which is why the majority of the provocations don't sound provocative to me and actually make a lot of intuitive or clinical sense.
What I felt was missing?
There are moments in the book where the author does not emphasize the importance of assessment, transparency and client's involvement in the decision-making process, as demonstrated by research on client-coach/therapist alliance (see provocations 2, 3, and 4).
For example, I believe that the level of direction in coaching is something that should be contracted with the client, not decided independently by the coach. Also, everyone are driven by agendas, including coaches; the question is whether are we aware of them and are able to communicate them to our clients.
Elsewhere, it seems that the author is addressing coaches who, I would assume, have never read an academic book on psychology, taken courses in academic psychology, or studied psychotherapy. However, there are coaches like me who are also psychologists who had studied both ethics and learning theory and found both subjects interesting and useful.
There are coaches who are also practicing counselors and therapists who adopt many of the communication tools described by the author. Unfortunately, the author does not acknowledge that in his book and seems a little bit biased towards a specific flavour or group of coaches, which does not sound inclusive enough towards specialists like me.
Other than that, an interesting and engaging read.
March 11, 2024
A practical, insightful, and positively-provocative book for new and experienced coaches alike.
The thing I most appreciate about this book is the author's encouragement to define, after careful reflection, your own position on the topics, rather than being a mere list of best practices you "should" follow because the ineffable "they" say so.
The thing I most appreciate about this book is the author's encouragement to define, after careful reflection, your own position on the topics, rather than being a mere list of best practices you "should" follow because the ineffable "they" say so.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews