Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice

Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice by Robert Biswas-Diener is an inspiring and thought-provoking read. The author's insights break down complex professional coaching concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. He uses real-world examples that illustrate his points, making it easy for coaches at every level of professional development to apply these concepts.Robert emphasis on self-awareness and self-reflection throughout the coaching process also stood out. He encourages coaches to change to build a more positive and fulfilling coaching practice. His provoking questions work to free the coach from outdated paradigms and boxy belief systems. I recommend Positive Provocation to anyone looking to improve their coaching ability and practice.

If you are a coach you should own this book.Just by scanning the editorial reviews along with Biswas-Diener’s body of previous work will make that a truism. That said, there is an expansive list of tools and resources that will help us as coaches.Why should this one be an imperative?The reasons are manifold but a couple that seem most inspiring to me are (enough so that it will anchor several special interest groups in The Coaches Coalition) :There is guidance and engagement for any experience level of coachIt is a live and activating toolBiswas-Diener provides an anti-dogma methodology without breaking helpful structuresPerhaps even more profound, is the ownership and resonance that one feels after iteratively challenging oneself and discovering something new through the end of chapter “experiments” (e.g. can I lift that weight? Wait…um…maybe…once…mostly…but I will be back OR for CVN, on a motorcycle can I take that curve at this speed…almost…yes, mostly…next time…).Immediate benefit- without fail, as I worked through the experiments something would come up in a session that was at least highlighted if not improved because of the explorations. This was true whether I aligned well or was at 90° with Biswas-Diener’s provocation.That’s one of the main points, there isn’t an attempt to sway belief in any particular case. Rather, it is a call (not some “saccharine” invite) to actively own your craft with tools to perpetually deepen it.So did I mention, get the book! Let the discussions begin.If you are a coach you should own this book.Just by scanning the editorial reviews along with Biswas-Diener’s body of previous work will make that a truism. That said, there is an expansive list of tools and resources that will help us as coaches.Why should this one be an imperative?The reasons are manifold but a couple that seem most inspiring to me (enough so that it will anchor several SIG’s in The Coaches Coalition) are:There is guidance and engagement for any experience level of coachIt is a live and activating toolBiswas-Diener provides an anti-dogma methodology without breaking helpful structuresPerhaps even more profound, is the ownership and resonance that one feels after iteratively (a very nuclear word LOL)challenging oneself and discovering something new through the end of chapter “experiments” (e.g. can I lift that weight? Wait…um…maybe…once…mostly…but I will be back OR for CVN, on a motorcycle can I take that curve at this speed…almost…yes, mostly…next time…).Immediate benefit- without fail, as I worked through the experiments something would come up in a session that was at least highlighted if not improved because of the explorations. This was true whether I aligned well or was at 90° with Biswas-Diener’s provocation. (!!! so cool)That’s one of the main points, there isn’t an attempt to sway belief in any particular case. Rather, it is a call (not some “saccharine” invite) to actively own your craft with tools to perpetually deepen it.So did I mention, get the book! Let the discussions begin.

Over the years I’ve heard Robert Biswas-Diener describe himself as provocative, and now I understand it and deeply value it. This book will help a new coach think deeply about what they have learned in their training, and an experienced coach think in new ways. Already it’s sparked some great discussions with colleagues - and with myself! I’ve enjoyed a fresh look at topics I thought were settled, and appreciated the thoughtful discussion about topics that have come up so many times with coach trainees and mentor coaching clients. And there are topics here I hadn’t even thought about thinking about.The writing is clear and engaging – I feel like I am listening to him talk. It also reflects what I love about coaching and being coached – it’s respectful, challenging, and invites new thinking and new possibilities.Robert Biswas-Diener isn’t just a coach, but a teacher, deeply engaged in the field of coaching, and the book is filled with research and references to back it all up and expand the conversation.I look forward to many more great conversations spurred by these provocations, and appreciate how much is packed into this perfect-sized book....and I now feel less provoked about being provoked

I love how Robert explores the edges of the sacred cows of coaching and offers new ways to look at how we can be most effective as coaches. I am always learning and adapting my approaches; Positive Provocation will be a source for me to return to often. His definition of coaching as using reflective inquiry in the context of an envisioned future is now a staple for me. I particularly liked 1) his direction on how to positively challenge while coaching because we are there to stretch, disrupt and spark new thinking, 2) how we need to be directive in ensuring there is a strong agenda based on a desired outcome and firmly hold the conversation in place, and 3) what is meant by coaching the problem, which I have always said we coach the person's thinking to solve a problem or see a new way forward - Robert has cleared this definition up. This is a critical read for coaches on their path of mastery, and for coaching educators to deepen the understanding of what we are doing as coaches beyond the models and formulas.

Robert Biswas-Diener has taken a deep dive into some of the most deeply held practices (and beliefs) of coaching, holding them with care while questioning their validity. And he does this not from a critical perspective but from the perspective of an experienced coach who is genuinely curious.He then brings his vast knowledge to his questioning and helps the reader unpack simple but complex questions like: "Should coaches address emotions?" and "Why are ethics so boring?" It is with loving irreverence that Biswas-Diener pokes holes and offers new ideas to expand our coaching skills. You will underline, highlight and come back to this book time and time again.My copy is now a permanent fixture on my desk.