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Coach the Person Not the Problem: A Simple Guide to Coaching for Transformation
What separates a beginner coach from a coach who invites client transformation? It's all about where the coach focuses: on the client's problem or on the client as a person.
In this short eBook, master coach and trainer Chad Hall walks you through three levels of coaching: beginner, better and transformational. For each level, he provides a sense of where the coach focuses, the types of question the coach asks and what kind of results you can expect. He also offers guidance on two elements essential to coaching for transformation: how to add creativity to your coaching and what to do when the client expresses emotion.
In this short eBook, master coach and trainer Chad Hall walks you through three levels of coaching: beginner, better and transformational. For each level, he provides a sense of where the coach focuses, the types of question the coach asks and what kind of results you can expect. He also offers guidance on two elements essential to coaching for transformation: how to add creativity to your coaching and what to do when the client expresses emotion.
30 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2016
824 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 9, 2021
A good summarized book on effective coaching
I was apprehensive when I started this book that had only 25 pages. But then I thought if somebody can explain a key concept in 25 pages then why not look at it. I am happy that I made this choice.
This book in simple terms is about how to conduct transformational coaching that enables your client to think for themselves and sustain the transformed way of thinking.
I would highly recommend this book
I was apprehensive when I started this book that had only 25 pages. But then I thought if somebody can explain a key concept in 25 pages then why not look at it. I am happy that I made this choice.
This book in simple terms is about how to conduct transformational coaching that enables your client to think for themselves and sustain the transformed way of thinking.
I would highly recommend this book
February 1, 2023
Quick. Simple. Effective. The author states this may not be a good start for new coaches but I think it easily depicts what is a good coach compared to a great one and how transformative coaching can be when you focus on the client. I did not know different types of coach techniques. Very enlightening from such a quick read.
March 11, 2025
Is it possible for an e-book to be simultaneously too long and not long enough?
That's the thought that was going through my head for the ten minutes or so that it took to read this 'book'.
It's a single simple idea but somehow, even though it's a very short read, it's repetitive and labours the point.
Coach the person, not the problem - there you have it. Save yourself 10 minutes and 99p. It's just pretty obvious.
That's the thought that was going through my head for the ten minutes or so that it took to read this 'book'.
It's a single simple idea but somehow, even though it's a very short read, it's repetitive and labours the point.
Coach the person, not the problem - there you have it. Save yourself 10 minutes and 99p. It's just pretty obvious.
October 2, 2017
Very short read and very insightful
I've been coaching for a few years and can still get into problem solving mode without realizing it. This short book shed light on a few things that have always been a bit fuzzy for me and gave me a bit of a mental model so I can be more aware of when I'm problem solving, coaching the client to solve their own problems, or coaching the client to use the problem as a mirror to make some sort of internal shift or learn something about themselves.
I've learned how to coach from some pretty amazing teachers but it's definitely helpful to hear some different perspectives on things I've learned during my initial training. I'll look for other books by Chad Hall because I like how he simplifies and explains things in a very down to earth way. Some coaching literature can be painfully abstract. This book wasn't.
I've been coaching for a few years and can still get into problem solving mode without realizing it. This short book shed light on a few things that have always been a bit fuzzy for me and gave me a bit of a mental model so I can be more aware of when I'm problem solving, coaching the client to solve their own problems, or coaching the client to use the problem as a mirror to make some sort of internal shift or learn something about themselves.
I've learned how to coach from some pretty amazing teachers but it's definitely helpful to hear some different perspectives on things I've learned during my initial training. I'll look for other books by Chad Hall because I like how he simplifies and explains things in a very down to earth way. Some coaching literature can be painfully abstract. This book wasn't.
June 25, 2020
Great Insight, Practical and Straightforward
I highly recommend this book for anyone who does coaching or even is considering coaching as it describes well what coaching is, and even more importantly, what transformational coaching looks like.
I believe this will be useful as well in my industry where we walk people through recovery and rebuild of their lives after disaster. Helping them to develop a new "normal" stronger then before is important and coaching will help them move in that direction.
I say that as I am also a trained coach with John Maxwell, so my comments reflect are take into consideration the combination of this book with my training and experience as a coach.
If you are a beginner or just looking into coaching, this book will help you to see what the end should look like when you start your Journey.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who does coaching or even is considering coaching as it describes well what coaching is, and even more importantly, what transformational coaching looks like.
I believe this will be useful as well in my industry where we walk people through recovery and rebuild of their lives after disaster. Helping them to develop a new "normal" stronger then before is important and coaching will help them move in that direction.
I say that as I am also a trained coach with John Maxwell, so my comments reflect are take into consideration the combination of this book with my training and experience as a coach.
If you are a beginner or just looking into coaching, this book will help you to see what the end should look like when you start your Journey.
May 6, 2017
I've not been trained to be a coach and I've not studied too much on being a coach, however these days leaders need to be coaches which is why I picked up this book whilst browsing on Amazon.
Having read it I guess its pretty obvious, but being a consultant I also guess thats why I didn't see the obvious!
I'm always trying to solve the problem, thats what consultant do. I guess its coaching I'm looking at the wrong problem, the problem or rather the challenge to overcome is the person, who in turn has the problem to solve.
Anyway a great read and wants me want to learn even more about coaching.
Having read it I guess its pretty obvious, but being a consultant I also guess thats why I didn't see the obvious!
I'm always trying to solve the problem, thats what consultant do. I guess its coaching I'm looking at the wrong problem, the problem or rather the challenge to overcome is the person, who in turn has the problem to solve.
Anyway a great read and wants me want to learn even more about coaching.
October 3, 2020
Excellent guidebook on powerful coaching truths
I was looking for both a refresher on coaching strategies as well as a way to deepen my own practice and this book really hit the nail on the head! I have noticed myself “coaching the client problem” more often than I should and feeling the need to step back and coach from a different place - this book gives you clear guidance on how to do just that.
I was looking for both a refresher on coaching strategies as well as a way to deepen my own practice and this book really hit the nail on the head! I have noticed myself “coaching the client problem” more often than I should and feeling the need to step back and coach from a different place - this book gives you clear guidance on how to do just that.
March 2, 2021
A generous and thoughtful - and quick! - download
I am not a coach, but in my capacity as a people manager I seek to incorporate elements of the art of effective coaching. This short and thoughtful read gave me a new way to approach certain tough situations in my work. I especially liked the model questions for each level of coaching. Much to try and learn in these few brief pages. Thank you!
I am not a coach, but in my capacity as a people manager I seek to incorporate elements of the art of effective coaching. This short and thoughtful read gave me a new way to approach certain tough situations in my work. I especially liked the model questions for each level of coaching. Much to try and learn in these few brief pages. Thank you!
March 8, 2021
A fantastic short ebook for experienced coaches. Provides a simple example to demonstrate how coaches can coach the 'problem', coach the 'problem through the person' or coach the 'person'. The book argues that true transformation can be achieved by coaching the person to make 'internal shifts' through creating space and asking powerful questions that enable the client to use the problem as an opportunity for self reflection.
July 7, 2017
Quick coaching insight
This ebook was a quick and to the point read, which I am a huge fan of. Example questions are given for the three different types of coach described. These example questions were helpful in distinguishing the different levels of coaching and how they progress. Four stars given.
This ebook was a quick and to the point read, which I am a huge fan of. Example questions are given for the three different types of coach described. These example questions were helpful in distinguishing the different levels of coaching and how they progress. Four stars given.
June 26, 2019
Good quick read
It was something I just wanted to read because I didn’t know much about the subject but since I have been having issues with my teenage son and helping him cope with depression, ADHD and anxiety. I think I will be able to use the information to help him transition from all the madness he fights in his head.
It was something I just wanted to read because I didn’t know much about the subject but since I have been having issues with my teenage son and helping him cope with depression, ADHD and anxiety. I think I will be able to use the information to help him transition from all the madness he fights in his head.
October 5, 2021
The subject of coach has been banalized lately in my view of things. (personal opinion).
The book allowed me to understand better how can we solve problems by coaching people's behaviour. Even if you do not coach anyone, it's a good read. It will allow you to be more open to listen to people's problems and give you key points on where to help.
I believe we all can help each other.
W
The book allowed me to understand better how can we solve problems by coaching people's behaviour. Even if you do not coach anyone, it's a good read. It will allow you to be more open to listen to people's problems and give you key points on where to help.
I believe we all can help each other.
W
March 5, 2022
Excellent overview for experienced coaches and consultants
The book is straight to the point and gives excellent advice on some new angles and somangles one should be using if they're in the coaching and consulting business. Good practical and practical information you can put the work right away.
The book is straight to the point and gives excellent advice on some new angles and somangles one should be using if they're in the coaching and consulting business. Good practical and practical information you can put the work right away.
April 7, 2022
Good quick read
Very good advice and perspective.
I tend to lean towards dealing with the problem instead of the person. I’ve been growing to understand that building a strong foundation as a person, is critical when trying to solve your problems.
Build a strong dam instead of always trying to repair multiple cracks.
Thank you for your time putting this book together.
Very good advice and perspective.
I tend to lean towards dealing with the problem instead of the person. I’ve been growing to understand that building a strong foundation as a person, is critical when trying to solve your problems.
Build a strong dam instead of always trying to repair multiple cracks.
Thank you for your time putting this book together.
October 17, 2022
"Coaching should be a process of inquiry, not a series of questions. The intent of inquiry is not to find solutions but to provoke critical thinking about our own thoughts. Inquiry helps the people being coached discern gaps in their logic, evaluate their beliefs, and clarify fears and desires affecting their choices."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
This short little book was a helpful reminder to transformative coaching practices I learned early in my training. It can be easy to get caught in the problem. I found it helpful that the author acknowledged there's a time to coach for internal shifts (inner transformation) and a time to transition to putting it into action/strategy (external transformation).
October 14, 2025
This book of 30 pages has an argument. Too often coaches solve problems. But - obviously - when a problem is solved, the strategies for the person to solve future problems is not developed.
Great thesis statement. Great argument.
Thirty pages creates platitudes - not solutions or methodologies.
Great thesis statement. Great argument.
Thirty pages creates platitudes - not solutions or methodologies.
September 25, 2017
Short and good book for coaches. Useful and easy to understand. It reinforces the gold coaching rules. Recommended for night reading
Short and good book for coaches. Useful and easy to understand. It reinforces the gold coaching rules. Recommended for night reading
Short and good book for coaches. Useful and easy to understand. It reinforces the gold coaching rules. Recommended for night reading
November 27, 2017
Coaching the problem through people
There are several great nuggets of wisdom. Probably more if I hadn’t read so many coaching books. I like the bullet format and breakdown of chapters. Straight to the point here.
There are several great nuggets of wisdom. Probably more if I hadn’t read so many coaching books. I like the bullet format and breakdown of chapters. Straight to the point here.
October 13, 2018
Concise and unfussy
Experienced coaches will find this generous summary of differing approaches a valuable refresher and a useful thought-provoker. It’s also mercifully lacking in first hand anecdotes. Recommended.
Experienced coaches will find this generous summary of differing approaches a valuable refresher and a useful thought-provoker. It’s also mercifully lacking in first hand anecdotes. Recommended.
February 20, 2019
Excellent job with the definition of a coaches role.
I have found it very interesting that as a coach we needed to focus our attention on our clients.
One would think it should be obvious but it's not especially since we don't plan ahead.
I have found it very interesting that as a coach we needed to focus our attention on our clients.
One would think it should be obvious but it's not especially since we don't plan ahead.
March 21, 2019
Back to basics... renewed respect for the true power of coaching.
Insightful read that brings you back to the basics of coaching. Would recommend regular reading to keep one grounded when coaching.
Insightful read that brings you back to the basics of coaching. Would recommend regular reading to keep one grounded when coaching.
May 9, 2019
Great coaching advice
This little book was chock full of great advice and insight. I would have liked a little more development of the themes, but apart from that it was extremely helpful.
This little book was chock full of great advice and insight. I would have liked a little more development of the themes, but apart from that it was extremely helpful.
July 28, 2019
Simple and very helpful guides that can really make a big difference in the coaching outcome.
Straight to the point ideas that make a lot of sense. A great reminder of what good coaching should be.
Straight to the point ideas that make a lot of sense. A great reminder of what good coaching should be.
December 7, 2019
Good read a d things to keep in mind when coaching.
The reminder to stay focused on the person and not the pro tem is helpful. Also helpful is to not focus on the why to remain non judgemental.
The reminder to stay focused on the person and not the pro tem is helpful. Also helpful is to not focus on the why to remain non judgemental.
December 25, 2019
Good perspective on coaching the person
A concise, quick read that is packed with solid examples on how to improve coaching. Focus on the client, not the problem. Appreciate the additional resource links in this ebook.
A concise, quick read that is packed with solid examples on how to improve coaching. Focus on the client, not the problem. Appreciate the additional resource links in this ebook.
March 21, 2020
practical and focused
quick overall of the typical coaches types or pseudo types that end up being counselors or mentors instead of. I just didn't get the elephant sample quite much, would have expected a bit more context.
quick overall of the typical coaches types or pseudo types that end up being counselors or mentors instead of. I just didn't get the elephant sample quite much, would have expected a bit more context.
April 11, 2020
Short and to the point
As someone who is just starting my journey as a life coach this short book give me a few tips to help me (hopefully) not make some of the beginner's mistakes that can lead to me solving the problem instead of the client solving it
As someone who is just starting my journey as a life coach this short book give me a few tips to help me (hopefully) not make some of the beginner's mistakes that can lead to me solving the problem instead of the client solving it
May 18, 2020
Brief and to the point
15 minute read based on one of his webinars. Well written and enough material to make you reflect on your current approach to coaching. One central theme/topic and a decent one at that.
Worth a read.
15 minute read based on one of his webinars. Well written and enough material to make you reflect on your current approach to coaching. One central theme/topic and a decent one at that.
Worth a read.
June 15, 2020
Simple and concise
Like spring training for coaches, not exhaustive, and not meant to introduce coaching to those who are unfamiliar with it. But can give insight to what to expect from a coach.
Like spring training for coaches, not exhaustive, and not meant to introduce coaching to those who are unfamiliar with it. But can give insight to what to expect from a coach.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews