“The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay-Stanier
Who is it for? for those looking to develop coaching skills to enhance their team’s performance and engagement
Michael Bungay Stanier’s “The Coaching Habit” is a compelling guide that transforms the complex art of coaching into a set of simple, yet powerful practices. The book is designed for managers and leaders who want to develop coaching skills to enhance their team’s performance and engagement.
Stanier posits that coaching should not be an occasional, formal event but a regular, informal part of a manager’s daily routine. The crux of his approach is seven essential coaching questions, including the Kickstart Question (“What’s on your mind?”) and the AWE Question (“And what else?”). These questions are designed to elicit more profound and more meaningful conversations, encouraging a coaching mindset that is more about listening and less about giving advice.
The book’s strength lies in its practicality and simplicity. Stanier’s conversational tone, coupled with his humour, makes the content accessible and engaging. Each chapter offers clear explanations, example dialogues, and tips on avoiding common coaching pitfalls.
The main challenge readers may encounter is shifting from a traditional managerial style to one that is coaching-centric. For many, the transition from being solution-givers to asking questions and empowering team members to find their answers can be challenging. It requires not only a change in behaviour but also a shift in mindset about what effective leadership looks like.
Another hurdle is the consistent application of these coaching habits in daily interactions. While the questions are simple, embedding them into everyday management practices and conversations requires discipline and practice. Additionally, creating a coaching culture within a team or an organisation goes beyond individual efforts and involves broader cultural changes.
In summary, “The Coaching Habit” is a highly practical and valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their coaching skills and foster a more empowered and engaged team. However, the effectiveness of the book lies in the reader’s ability to internalise and apply the coaching principles consistently in their leadership practice. For those willing to embrace this challenge, Stanier’s book is a transformative tool that can reshape the way they lead and interact with their team.
