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“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.” Charles W. Eliot

Resources

These books are an inspiration to both myself and to clients – they can help you to better understand yourself and to push your boundaries beyond what you previously thought was possible.

For everyone:

The Art of Possibility by Rosalind & Ben Zander

Love this book. Have re-read it a number of times. It alters your mindset about ways of looking at things.

Time to Think by Nancy Kline

A wonderful read in terms of understanding how people have their own resources given the chance.

A New Earth – Awakening to your Life Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

One of my favourite books on the list. Definitely hard to get started but seeing Eckhart go through it chapter by chapter with Oprah helped me. See if it’s still on Oprah.com as a download.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

The struggle of survival in Auschwitz and a must read for those looking for meaning and purpose.

Presence by Senge, Sharmer, Jawoski, Flowers

Wonderful book that looks at change in people and organisations. A great book for coaches and leaders. It might be a bit heavy going in places – one for a vacation!

The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallway

The inner series by Tim Galway is great and I admit to only having read this one – I play tennis! After seeing Tim demonstrate this with a group of players in my early days of coaching I was struck by the value. Fascinating stuff – no techniques. Well worth a read.

Further Along the Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck

I didn’t read the ‘Road Less Travelled’ but enjoyed this book – some chapters resonated, others made me think. It’s also an easy read.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

The first book on self development I read back in the early 1990s. Whilst ‘old fashioned’ it’s still very relevant.

Non-Violent Communication by Rosenburg

After hearing him speak I bought the book. It wasn’t as insightful as seeing him demonstrate and speak of his work in war-zones, but still powerful.

Transitions by Bridges

All transition books by William Bridges are valuable in understanding transitions. The content is often used in all circumstances to help explain change.

Leadership

The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins

Great reference for anyone starting a new role.

The Naked Leader by David Taylor

Open, honest and being authentic.

Healing the Wounds: Overcoming the Trauma of Layoffs and Revitalizing Downsized Organizations by David M. Noer

An insightful read for a leader faced with this situation. I would also recommend any of William Bridges’ books on Transition.

Why Smart Executives Fail and What You Can Learn From Their Mistakes by Sydney Finkelstein

Reference to learn from other’s mistakes. A little outdated now so I’m sure this will be superseded soon. Still valuable.

For coaches

Psychology of Executive Coaching by Bruce Peltier

A great reference for understanding the different psychological tools available to coaches. You can then identify which area you want to explore more.

Executive Coaching with Backbone and Heart by Mary Beth O’Neil

As coaches we often have more ‘backbone’ or, in my experience, more ‘heart’. Mary’s book shows why both are key to great coaching.

The Skilled Helper by Egan

I loved this book as it had so many similarities to my own coaching. It helped me to understand my own coaching model.

Adaptive Coaching by Bacon & Spears

A fabulous reference for executive coaching. Written by the CEO of Lore International Institute, it adds more tools to the executive coaches’ tool box.

On Becoming a Person by Carl Rogers

This book’s here as Rogerian theory underpins my coaching so I just love it!

For coaching supervision

Reflective Practice & Supervision for Coaches by Julie Hay

A useful starting place to understand reflection and supervision in coaching. Plus some good models.

Supervision in the Helping Professions by Hawkins & Shohet

This book is the one usually referenced within any coaching supervision training or work – it covers the seven-eyed model.

For coaches and business building, practical books for structure of your business and marketing

Get Clients Now by C J Hayden

A book that’s very applicable to coaches. It provides different approaches and useful action plans to ‘fill your pipeline’.

Attracting Perfect Customers by Hall & Brogniez

This book was recommended by a colleague a few years ago and I loved it! It speaks to being clear about what you stand for – like a lighthouse – so clients can find you.

Powerful Marketing on a Shoestring Budget for Small Businesses by Dee Blick

A newly published book that’s ‘down to earth’ and gives practical marketing advice.

The E-Myth by Michael Gerber

The first book I read around structuring and running my business. The phrase ‘work on your business, not in it’ is a valuable message.