The Extraordinary Coach : How the Best Leaders Help Others Grow

by John H. Zenger, Kathleen Stinnett

As with his other books, Zenger researched thousands of assessments from the most effective coaches. Then he and Stinnett combined the research with the latest findings from the world of clinical psychology to map out the real success secrets of today's best coaches. This practical, multi-layered training guide provides the tools you need, including: Companion Video (on their website) showing "real" coaching in action Conversation Guide offering framework for any possible scenario Application Worksheets to help prepare yourself for upcoming coaching situations List of Questions to ask in their own coaching conversations About The Author: Jack Zenger is the co-founder of Zenger/Folkman and the co-author of The Extraordinary Leader and The Inspiring Leader. He was inducted into the Human Resources Development Hall of Fame in 1994 and received the Thought Leader Award from his industry colleagues in 2005.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Management, Communication, Business Leadership

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2010

About the author

John H. “Jack” Zenger is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zenger Folkman, a professional services firm providing consulting and leadership development programs for organizational effectiveness initiatives.

Reviews

[Abdullah Al-zamel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a valued gift from jack and Kathleen.. It was one of the best books I read on coaching. I strongly recommend it. Thanks jack and Kathleen for this great book :)

[John Dobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Extraordinary Coach offers some key insights into how managers can help lead people into greater effectiveness in working through effective conversations and expressive warmth. It offers a framework for coaching conversations as well as plenty of good practical examples. If I have any critiques of the book, the last four chapters seemed like they could have been one chapter. In addition, whenever books use dialogue as examples, it always seems hokey to me and not likely to be a real conversation. I liked the emphasis on realizing the employee is a real human living in his/her own context - and how keeping that in mind influences coaching. If you have difficulty having hard conversations with others, this book offers some excellent help. I thought it was very good.

[Scott Brown]

I received this book as a valued gift from my SVP. It is a unique combination of relevant and illustrative examples, deep research, with good practical how-to examples. It is riddled with self reflection exercises that help you map out a plan of action.

Coaching = "Interactions that help the individual being coached to expand awareness, discover superior solutions, and make and implement better decisions." They go on to explain, "Coaching helps individuals discover answers within themselves and helps them feel more personally empowered. The coach is also dedicated to helping to ensure the implementation and long-term follow-through of planned actions."

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found a lot of the information in this book helpful and important for managers. In theory, if all managers followed this, I think employee turnover would be reduced and productivity would increase.

The information was definitely presented in a dry manner, and some of the conversations presented felt forced (and a little biased - I was quite tired of the person with a problem that the coach approached being a girl), but overall, great information for leaders on how to help employees be the best employee and know that their leaders care for them personally.

[Jacqueline Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly a really amazing read! Changed my perspective in how I coach my coachees at work, especially the sections around not just giving advice and making redirecting feedback more of a conversation.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it's a bit too corporate at times, and feels a bit artificial in others, it's a quick read and a good guide to becoming a better coach. Worth the read if you want to make yourself better.

[Teri Sackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

The principles and guidelines In the book appear sound and should enable an increased competency in working with ones employees.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

OBuen libro con contenido.

Ofrece un marco metodológico o checklist para cada conversación de coaching, un coaching que debería realizarse entre cualquier líder y colaborador. Acordémonos que el ser humano acompaña al trabajador en el ámbito laboral.

Me quedaría como resumen: Por mucho que usted quiera que una persona haga algo, no es probable que lo haga hasta que ella desee hacerlo.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a class at work and liked the approach to coaching instead of problem solving. Definitely a great read if you’re looking for a leadership role or to redefine how you help others😊

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great content. I learned a lot that can be applied immediately. I really found the assessment suggestions helpful and will implement them.

[Jeffry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Zenger's previous book, The Extraordinary Leader, and was a bit disappointed by this one. This book did not seem to be as research driven and also much less concrete. The process advanced for coaching is too much for me to keep in my head at once which makes it too complex, at least for me. It has some decent tips and good coaching philosophy/attitude pieces, but not spectacular overall.

[Dan Gabree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for anyone in business. Perspective is as a coach, but the ideas are good for any manager who must work with and lead others. Good specifics on when to approach topics and how to avoid "telling" people what to do. Provides good guidance on how to establish appropriates relationships to promote growth for both. Definitely recommended.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I attended the ZF Extraordinary Coach workshop and I would say that the first ~160 pages of this book are a fairly faithful summary of the workshop. I particularly enjoyed the three chapters on feedback (redirecting and reinforcing), and the research underpinnings for many of the suggestions. All in all, a great intro to coaching.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book includes a horror scenario intended to illustrate effective accountability: Mom wants to lose weight. Her children are told they'll each earn $10 for every pound she loses. Harassment about Mom's food choices ensues, and one can only assume that either child- or adult-protective services was called in shortly, depending on Mom's basic constitution.

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongly recommend this book. Great follow up to the Extraordinary Leader

[Jeff Lampson]

Outstanding! This books contains very practical and effective advice for leaders as coach. Full of useful models that can be immediately applied!

[Kim]

Recommended by cpe speaker

[Paiman Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empty cup, new tea.