Editor Jonathan Passmore
Publisher Kogan Page
ISBN 978 0749450809
This book, edited by Jonathan Passmore and with contributions from key practitioners in the coaching and psychometrics fields, is an invaluable addition to the growing number of books on coaching. It offers a detailed overview of the different psychometric tools and questionnaires available, the underpinning psychology that informs psychometric testing and demonstrates how different models can be used in coaching.
Part one focuses on psychometrics and feedback, setting out practically how both can be used effectively in coaching.
Part two looks at 15 psychometric models, from the most popular to the less well known.
Impressively, a potentially dry subject has been carefully thought through. Each chapter introduces a model, setting out its historical background and research linked to the tool or questionnaire, describes it in detail then links it carefully with its use in coaching, often with case studies. The book concludes with an overview of psychometric questions and a glossary.
Psychometrics in Coaching is a must for those commissioning coaching, for coaches wishing to improve their knowledge of this area and for those studying leadership. The clear style makes it accessible for readers new to this area as well as being suitable for experienced practitioners – a useful book to add to the library.
Stephanie Segal is lead consultant and director of Stephanie Segal Consultancy. She works with clients as an organisational consultant and executive coach from a systems psychodynamic perspective.
Title The Coaching Manual: The Definitive Guide to the Process, Principles and Skills of Personal Coaching (2nd ed)
Author Julie Starr
Publisher Pearson Prentice-Hall Business
ISBN 978 0273713524
In common with many books on coaching, The Coaching Manual covers all the necessary skills, and very well too. Some chapters tackle the unexpected: “Coaching principles and beliefs” looks at what coaches share even when they appear to have very different methods (such as holding the belief that the client is capable of generating better solutions that the coach).
This second edition also shows how an entire coaching conversation can be structured. I particularly liked the “Barriers to coaching” chapter, which looks at various physical and mental obstacles, focusing on what not to do.
The book is a pleasure to read. Starr presents the information clearly, with examples, tools, exercises and testing questions. There is no assumption that the reader will work through the chapters in order and important sections are cross-referenced. Full of gentle wisdom, it provides everything you need to start on the road to coaching. Experienced coaches, too, will find a wealth of valuable ideas.
Starr says: “Over time this aspect of who you are develops: you know you’re a coach and for you to coach is a natural form of self-expression.” The meaning of coaching is “to transport someone from one place to another”. That is exactly what we do.
Jackie Wilkinson is an independent business coach and an executive coach at the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
Volume 3, Issue 3