Rating: 
Summary: Sophistocated and Diverse
Review: What a contribution to the emerging field of Executive Coaching! This book represents a sophistocatd and diverse look at a field that is thankfully growing not just in scope, but in depth as well. While beginning coaches will clearly benefit from this book, it is much more than a collection of "how-tos". It is unique in that it takes our understanding of the purposes and frameworks of executive coaching to the next level -- exploring not just the strategic and behavioral benefits of executive coaching, but its potential to serve as a foundation for adult development and transformation as well.Savvy of the organizational and financial realities that often initiate a coaching engagement, the authors in this volume advocate a deep understanding of the implicit assumptions, values, and purposes that shape a coaching relationship. The practices described provide the coach and manager frameworks for transforming attitudes and beliefs, as well as behaviors. In their compilation, Fitzgerald and Berger have modeled what the best of executive coaching can be -- not a hodgepodge collection of talent and opinions, but a finely crafted and integrated perspective on the many dimensions of growth. Especially useful is a chapter by Fitzgerald on the developmental challenges facing midlife executives (nearly all), which addresses changes in motivation, self-concept, and worldview that can elude even skillful practitioners. A must read for coaches serious about deepening their practice and HR professionals who want to maximize the value of their organizations' coaching engagements.
Rating:
Summary: A Superb Book on Executive Coaching
Review: When I ordered this book, I had two questions.
Would it have applied value (rather than be solely
theoretical)? And would it be of use to our
MentorCoach students who range from beginner
to seasoned practitioner in their expertise and
experience in executive coaching? The answer
to both questions is a strong yes. The writing
is lucid. The authors are an elite
group of senior executive coaches. I'm
particularly excited about the practical implications
of Berger and Fitzgerald's chapter on leadership and
complexity of mind--applying the cutting-edge work
of Harvard's Robert Kegan to leadership development.
The lead chapter by David Coleman, "Principles and
Guidelines for Practitioners," is an exceptional,
beautifully written summary of the lessons he's learned
during two decades of executive coaching--guidelines
he wishes he'd had when he was just starting out. And
chapter after chapter is superb. If you're working in the
field of executive coaching, I think you will find this book
to be unusually valuable.
Rating:
Summary: A Superb Book on Executive Coaching
Review: When I ordered this book, I had two questions.
Would it have applied value (rather than be solely
theoretical)? And would it be of use to our
MentorCoach students who range from beginner
to seasoned practitioner in their expertise and
experience in executive coaching? The answer
to both questions is a strong yes. The writing
is lucid. The authors are an elite
group of senior executive coaches. I'm
particularly excited about the practical implications
of Berger and Fitzgerald's chapter on leadership and
complexity of mind--applying the cutting-edge work
of Harvard's Robert Kegan to leadership development.
The lead chapter by David Coleman, "Principles and
Guidelines for Practitioners," is an exceptional,
beautifully written summary of the lessons he's learned
during two decades of executive coaching--guidelines
he wishes he'd had when he was just starting out. And
chapter after chapter is superb. If you're working in the
field of executive coaching, I think you will find this book
to be unusually valuable.
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