The Masterful Coaching, Book 1st Edition

Not a difficult book to read on the importance of coach's influence inside of organizations and their need for commitment and vision. Starting with a definition of what Hargrove terms a transformational coach and their responsibilities he uses quotes, examples, and case studies to demonstrate his ideas of an effective coach.At times the word coach could be translated to leader or leadership whether in a corporation, military, or other endeavor, however his predominate use of the word is that of mentor. He portrays this person as a master at working with others to create change, collaboration, action, and above all vision.His simple graphics and tables give a simple outline view of his major points making them very clear to the reader. The setup of this book makes it useful as an easy reference when the reader is looking for quick guidance and for later review. It is a book for anyone who plans to influence lives for change.

An insightful account of the true meaning of coaching that goes to the heart of building and reliving the human spirit into organizaions that is quite amiss in today's corporate world.By honing in on true spirit of community building , Hargrove has given the concept of stewardship its real place in today's material and self-interest based society.

I would highly recommend Mr. Hargrove's book, Masterful Coaching, for individuals who are ready and willing to take on the challenge of transforming their own life and impacting others both in the workplace and on a personal level. The author assists the reader in the journey to personal transformation and the journey of coaching others to expand and grow. It is not an advice or prescription book but a tool to help one help themselves and also in the process help others. I especially appreciated the "Calling Forth Questions." The passion of the author is evident and the presentations of ideas are thought provoking, human, insightful and straightforward.3 major points for pondering:Personal Transformation: The author focuses on taking effective action throughout the book but the personal transformation that the book pushes readers to explore is powerful. "...coach is someone who engages and enters into the learning system of a person, business or social institution with the intent of improving it so as to impact people's ability to perform" (pg. 17) The presentation of coaching methodology and transformational learning discuss an individual's governing values and implications of those values in learning including Triple-loop learning, Double-loop learning, and Single-loop learning. Personal transformation is the foundation for everything that is presented in the book and is key to the "being" of a person.A way of "Being" is central to being an effective coach: The characteristics of masterful coaches provide a guide for self-reflection and self-growth. The characteristics are the core of who one is and their sense of "being". Characteristics: 1. The ability to inspire; 2. Setting higher standards; 3. Honesty and integrity; 4. Disciplined intensity; 5. Forwarding action; 6. A passion to help others learn, grow, and perform.Stewardship, commitment and learning models: The author discusses the shift from dominance to learning in groups and organizations and provides examples for the reader to internalize and better understand the paradigm shift. The role of the coach is is defined in the context of being a steward.

Robert Hargrove's work, Masterful Coaching, is a thought-provoking journey into the essence of what is required for the transformation of individual contributions within organizations. As such, it provides both inspirational and pratical guidelines for the manager who wishes to impact the growth of his/her people. The ideas are rich and the challenge profound for those who wish to embark on such a journey.

Robert Hargrove has done an exceptional job of clearly articulating and illustrating principles that have often been difficult to express in writing. Early in the text he links the ability to create truly extraordinary results with "personal transformation" and introduces the concept of "transformational learning." He does this by asking us to consider three learning loops: single loop learning (adding new skills-what normally passes for education), double loop learning (altering patterns of thinking/behavior), and triple loop learning (shifting context).Fully grasping the third loop and its potential impact is not trivial, and the capacity to operate at this level provides a coach, manager, or leader an access to "transformation" of who people are and what they perceive in a given situation. The results can be far beyond the predictable. I personally know of corporate programs based on the principles of this book that have generated millions through productivity gains in a span of a six months.This is NOT manipulation. Hargrove states in chapter 1, "it requires authentic communication" and again in chapter 4, "Any attempt to manipulate people will likely be detected and backfire."If you are accountable for producing results through others as a leader, manager, business owner, or little league coach, this book provides powerful material for helping them achieve performance far beyond what is predictable.For those already on the cutting edge of consulting in the distinctions of being, context, enrollment, and personal and organizational transformation, Hargrove's book offers yet more ways to express these ideas and produce the results that lead to effective action. The book also serves as a valuable text for individuals you wish to develop as coaches.For those new to these ideas, the book is an excellent introduction to the principles of being vs. doing, committed speaking and listening, integrity (as a distinction), and personal transformation.