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Coaching: Evoking Excellence In Others
An inspiring guide for training managers and leaders, human resource development managers, and general managers, this Third Edition includes new material on the latest approaches, with a new chapter on communication and a new central case study running throughout the book.
223 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 23, 2015
This is an excellent book. You can go light or go deep in this book, and it will take you as deep as you dare or care to go. The reference bibliography is stunning, and Flaherty comments on each of the referenced books, so he's probably read them and I'm jealous.
But that's an aside. The term "coaching" has been used quite a bit, these days, and I'm sure there are a ton of books on the topic, but I'd put this up there with any of them. It's not exciting, but it's a real contribution on how to legitimately influence behavior and help human beings attain their goals. And there's not much "easy" about the process, but it beats the heck out of trying to do it the wrong way.
If your job or life involves "How can I contribute?" this book shows a way. For Flaherty, the products of coaching are simple and direct: Long-Term Excellent Performance, Self-Correction, and Self-Generation.
But that's an aside. The term "coaching" has been used quite a bit, these days, and I'm sure there are a ton of books on the topic, but I'd put this up there with any of them. It's not exciting, but it's a real contribution on how to legitimately influence behavior and help human beings attain their goals. And there's not much "easy" about the process, but it beats the heck out of trying to do it the wrong way.
If your job or life involves "How can I contribute?" this book shows a way. For Flaherty, the products of coaching are simple and direct: Long-Term Excellent Performance, Self-Correction, and Self-Generation.
July 26, 2014
Thorough book on the ins and outs of coaching. However, it's not especially gripping or interesting. Would be a good handbook for someone already working in the field.
Read
January 22, 2016As I read this, I began to think of it as a "coaches fieldbook". It creates an excellent overall framework for coaching and is full of useful models that can be effectively applied. This has some of the best and most complete chapter references and bibliography I have enjoyed since Frederic Hudson's "Handbook of Coaching". This one will definitely be worn and field tested.
February 15, 2017
Not your average business book. I am impressed by any author who can incorporate 19th- and 20th-century Western philosophy in a practical book about modern management technique. The bibliography alone is worth the purchase price.
April 2, 2012
As I reread this text while working on my paper I came to realize it was quite useful to me and my formation as a manager who wishes to become a leader.
April 9, 2024
This book has an utterly fantastic bibliography with comments from the author. I found so many favorite gems in various directions.
The book itself is also excellent!
The book itself is also excellent!
July 29, 2026
This book is nothing short of extraordinary. James Flaherty has written a definitive work that transcends the typical coaching manual and offers a profound philosophy for evoking excellence in others and in ourselves. I have read many books on coaching and leadership, but this one stands alone as a truly transformative guide that has fundamentally changed how I approach my relationships with clients, colleagues, and even friends.
What sets this book apart is its rigorous and holistic approach. Flaherty does not offer quick fixes or superficial techniques. Instead, he proposes deep methods of practice and self observation rooted in mutual trust, respect, and freedom of expression. The book challenged me to rethink everything I thought I knew about producing long term performance. The new chapters on working with the body and navigating moments when we feel stuck are invaluable additions that expand the coach's repertory and readiness for wider engagement. These are not theoretical concepts; they are practical, actionable tools that I have already begun to apply with remarkable results.
The author's credibility is undeniable. Having led workshops for over 12,000 people across Fortune 500 companies, Flaherty writes with authority and wisdom born from real world experience. Yet his prose remains accessible and deeply human. The annotated bibliographies at the end of each chapter are a gift for anyone wishing to continue their study, and the expanded list of self observation exercises provides a rich resource for ongoing practice. This is a book that rewards rereading, with layers of insight that reveal themselves more fully with each pass.
To James Flaherty, I offer my sincere gratitude for writing such a generous and impactful work. This is essential reading for new coaches seeking a solid foundation, master coaches wanting to challenge their methods, and managers who wish to incorporate coaching into their leadership roles. It is a classic for a reason, and this updated edition cements its place as a cornerstone of the field. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Simply brilliant.
What sets this book apart is its rigorous and holistic approach. Flaherty does not offer quick fixes or superficial techniques. Instead, he proposes deep methods of practice and self observation rooted in mutual trust, respect, and freedom of expression. The book challenged me to rethink everything I thought I knew about producing long term performance. The new chapters on working with the body and navigating moments when we feel stuck are invaluable additions that expand the coach's repertory and readiness for wider engagement. These are not theoretical concepts; they are practical, actionable tools that I have already begun to apply with remarkable results.
The author's credibility is undeniable. Having led workshops for over 12,000 people across Fortune 500 companies, Flaherty writes with authority and wisdom born from real world experience. Yet his prose remains accessible and deeply human. The annotated bibliographies at the end of each chapter are a gift for anyone wishing to continue their study, and the expanded list of self observation exercises provides a rich resource for ongoing practice. This is a book that rewards rereading, with layers of insight that reveal themselves more fully with each pass.
To James Flaherty, I offer my sincere gratitude for writing such a generous and impactful work. This is essential reading for new coaches seeking a solid foundation, master coaches wanting to challenge their methods, and managers who wish to incorporate coaching into their leadership roles. It is a classic for a reason, and this updated edition cements its place as a cornerstone of the field. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Simply brilliant.
January 20, 2025
What are the main ideas?
* the outcomes of coaching for the person coached are: long-term excellent performance, self-correction, and self-generation. meaning someone who is coached well will be great at what they do (determined by the standards of that field), they will know how to address their own mistakes, and they will always find ways to improve.
* coaching is about making visible the coachee's system of interpreting and then supporting them to see differently which then allows them to act differently.
If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?
focus on the 3 outcomes of coaching that the author identifies. if my coach partners are leaving with at least two of the three, i will feel successful. if they're leaving with all 3, i'll feel amazing.
How would I describe the book to a friend?
though i was trained in politicized coaching school, this book is still useful for all the tools, frameworks, and models it offers. i know my liberatory coaching will improve having read this book. and i know that knowing more about how corporate and executive coaches will allow me to bring and modulate what they bring to highly-paid executives to everyone. honestly, other than the lack of political and social analysis, i didn't think the book was particularly harmful (in the way that sometimes books that are "neutral" can be). it actually didn't out itself as targeted at executives or high-paid folks other than the examples and the appendices. if you're a coach who is willing/able to read through classism/racism/etc without being triggered, there's lots this book has to offer. it is sorely lacking in analysis, though, so i wouldn't recommend this book as a first coaching book to anyone just getting into coaching.
* the outcomes of coaching for the person coached are: long-term excellent performance, self-correction, and self-generation. meaning someone who is coached well will be great at what they do (determined by the standards of that field), they will know how to address their own mistakes, and they will always find ways to improve.
* coaching is about making visible the coachee's system of interpreting and then supporting them to see differently which then allows them to act differently.
If I implemented one idea from this book right now, which one would it be?
focus on the 3 outcomes of coaching that the author identifies. if my coach partners are leaving with at least two of the three, i will feel successful. if they're leaving with all 3, i'll feel amazing.
How would I describe the book to a friend?
though i was trained in politicized coaching school, this book is still useful for all the tools, frameworks, and models it offers. i know my liberatory coaching will improve having read this book. and i know that knowing more about how corporate and executive coaches will allow me to bring and modulate what they bring to highly-paid executives to everyone. honestly, other than the lack of political and social analysis, i didn't think the book was particularly harmful (in the way that sometimes books that are "neutral" can be). it actually didn't out itself as targeted at executives or high-paid folks other than the examples and the appendices. if you're a coach who is willing/able to read through classism/racism/etc without being triggered, there's lots this book has to offer. it is sorely lacking in analysis, though, so i wouldn't recommend this book as a first coaching book to anyone just getting into coaching.
September 29, 2021
Okey book about coaching. It was very interesting at times, and gives some really good pointers on coaching. The only reason it got three stars is because I personally found it to be very dry at times. It wasn't always easy to continue the reading. But all in all a good book, that I highly recommend if you are interested in coaching.
April 6, 2021
In depth and a bit esoteric. I suspect it will be a great reference going forward but kinda lost me with its structure about halfway through.
September 21, 2021
Great
A very profound way of looking at coaching within the freedom of a structure. The power of language and observation as key factors of understanding, growth and development
A very profound way of looking at coaching within the freedom of a structure. The power of language and observation as key factors of understanding, growth and development
July 25, 2010
James Flaherty is without question one of the greatest professional coaches in the US. This book is such a short consolidation of his work. It is a little meaty in parts - however, interesting throughout and a great book to go back to again and again on the coaches path of integral coaching.
May 31, 2019
Like the practical coaching examples of this imaginary client. Lots of theories which are good but it's not as engaging as a coaching class that you can get instant feedback.
Great for beginners who are curious about coaching.
Great for beginners who are curious about coaching.
January 1, 2012
Some real insight in how to coach and why its hard. A must for all those who have an interest in coaching and mentoring others.
Read
January 20, 2014I read all but 20 pages; good points, but I think that more examples would have been more impactful.
December 19, 2014
An excellent book for those starting coaching, or those needing a refresher.
Got 4 stars fem me just for one reason -- I did not find it had a particularity engaging flow.
Got 4 stars fem me just for one reason -- I did not find it had a particularity engaging flow.
April 11, 2017
GOOD BOOK THAT CREATES COACHES THAT WANT TO SERVE THE WORLD .
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews