by Andrew Armatas
Open University Press (June 2021)
ISBN 978 0335 24965 7
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Many problems are created by trying to fix things that don’t need fixing, or because of misguided solutions, as Andrew Armatas acknowledges. So how can we support clients stuck in a “problem-maintenance cycle” to avoid maladaptive solutions, and to move forward?
Armatas offers a practical approach, rooted in the core principles of strategic process and solution-focused coaching which seeks to zoom in on successful exceptions to problems. Its primary focus is to explore attempted solutions and how problems are maintained. It’s key, too, to encourage action – Armatas says that “awareness is not considered a change agent unless it is acted upon”.
He first offers a wide-angle overview of the origins of the brief strategic approach, before introducing common strategic coaching strategies to enhance the prospects of goal success, including reframing and working with paradox. He then explores the three stages of the strategic process: clarification, exploration and action. He also brings in case studies.
This will be a useful book for coaches whose clients, despite being self-aware, remain stuck, and for those supporting leaders around strategy.
Liz Hall is the editor of Coaching at Work