Description
Book SynopsisThis book offers an approach to business and executive coaching that properly aligns the practice in the culture of business through the use of a relational "coaching axis" that helps to manage the complexity of the organisation and the individual as dual clients.Business and executive coaching occurs within an organisational context with the goal of promoting success at all levels of the organisation by affecting the actions of those being coached (Worldwide Association of Business Coaches, 2007). This form of coaching is distinct from other types in two ways, firstly it is focused on achieving business outcomes, and secondly, both the individual being coached and the sponsoring organization are simultaneously the client. This book explains how a coach manages the complexity of helping these two clients by acting as a narrative bridge between their stories. It offers a relational approach which resists remedial or curative notions born from coaching's human science roots and instead aligns to workplace realities. Chapters 1 -3 explore three interlocking paradigms for coaching that culturally align to the context of business. Firstly, in working with the complexity of client, systems theory is explored. Secondly, in working with the complexity of organisational culture, the notion of culture is unpacked. Thirdly, in exploring the complexity of theory, an eclectic and integrative theoretical approach is unpacked and the notion of the scientist-practitioner is explored. The remainder of the book explains the "Coaching on the Axis" approach. This approach captures the way coaching interfaces with business across three systemic dimensions situated on a hypothetical "axis." It further outlines a method to track themes, elicit insights and test actions systemically along this axis using a narrative methodology. Finally, a case study is provided. Ultimately, the book aims to assist coaches in properly aligning their practice with business, honouring the culture from which this work derives its legitimacy and sanction, and significantly increasing its likelihood of success.
Trade Review'At last, a sophisticated and business-savvy account of business and executive coaching. Marc Kahn's book represents an important shift in how we understand the world of business coaching. His examination of complexity theory, psychology, and business challenges many of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) assumptions imported into business coaching from counselling. This is a welcome and important contribution in the field. It should be on every coach's bookshelf and inform every coach's practice.'-Dr Michael Cavanagh, Deputy Director, Coaching Psychology Unit, Sydney University, Australia'In this exceptional book, Marc Kahn succeeds in planting the emerging service of coaching firmly in the modern business context. This is a work that will, in my opinion, deservedly take its place in the business canons of the twenty-first century.'- Peter Frampton, President of Accounting Comes Alive International and co-author of Accounting Comes Alive and Color Accounting, Geneva, Switzerland'In this masterful contribution to business coaching. Marc Kahn has instigated a paradigm shift. Grappling with the indefatigable concerns of business, this work offers a new approach, aligning multiple and complex perspectives. This book is a must-have, not only for every coach's library, but also for every leader's.'- Dr Sunny Stout-Rostron, Founding Fellow, Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Affiliate, South Africa'This is a brilliant book that powerfully articulates the focal "axis" of attention for business coaches, and ultimately defines the most important factors for success.'- Dr Paddy Pampalis, Executive Director, Centre for Integral Business and Leadership, Cape Town, South Africa'I welcome this sage and authentic book, and encourage all HR practitioners, leaders, and coaches to read, and heed, its important messages.'-Bev Cunningham, Vice President, Group Human Resources, Ricoh Europe PLC, London, UK'One of the most insightful books on business coaching I have ever read.'- Allon Raiz, CEO, Raizcorp and bestselling author of Lose the Business Plan and What to Do When You Want to Give Up, South Africa'This work will become essential reading for anyone in the field.'-Dr Jacqui Farrants, Consultant Psychologist, City University, London, UK'I was riveted. I simply couldn't put it down.'- Marc Feitelberg, clinical psychologist, executive coach, and founder of The South African College of Applied Psychology'A must-read for those who are serious about being professional and ethical business coaches.'- Wendy Johnson, President and CEO, Worldwide Association of Business Coaches WABC,Vancouver, Canada'Regardless of the modality you prefer as a coach, this text will add depth and understanding to your practice. An undeniable contribution.'- Craig Bloomstrand, international coach and mentor, author of Wise Men Look and Every Story Casts a Shadow, Minneapolis, USA'This is a fantastic read, providing a really good sense of the amazing benefits business coaching can bring to an executive when it is delivered properly - on the "axis".'-Brett Morris, Group CEO, FCB South Africa
Table of ContentsSeries Editor’s Foreword , Introduction , The complexity of client , The complexity of culture , The complexity of theory , Introduction to the Coaching on the Axis framework , The environmental dimension , The individual dimension , The coaching relationship , Coaching on the Axis: technique , Case study , Professional Coaching Series , Endorsements
