Being a coach is a deeply rewarding profession. Even the best coaches encounter moments of uncertainty and doubt. In Coaching Stories: Flowing and Falling of Being a Coach, Karen Dean and Sam Humphrey intimately share their varied experiences as executive coaches in 48 stories – some where they were flowing and glorious, and others where they were falling and ashamed. They progress from naivety to mastery, revealing what being a coach is really like. Each chapter focuses on a different theme, using Dean’s ‘Exceptional Achievement’ framework: setting out, doing, integrating and being. Dean and Humphrey expertly assess topics, including confidence, talent, purpose and fulfilment. They then reflect on their learning and development at each point. This book will be a compassionate and pragmatic companion for coaches of all kinds, both in practice and training.
“What a rare treat……to walk alongside two pioneer coaches as they navigate the challenges, set-backs and triumphs emblematic of the journey from beginner to master coach. Their journey is even more admirable when we consider that they began before most of the major professional coaching bodies were born or were in their infancies. Through humility, humour and grace, their stories illuminate how coaching holds the promise of tremendous value, is not for the faint of heart, cannot be done by just anyone, and requires highly specialised knowledge, skills and abilities on the part of the coach. This book shows how courage, critical reflection, appropriate education and training and a fierce commitment to an ongoing learning journey are imperatives for any coach wishing to offer credible personal or business coaching services today” – Wendy Johnson; founder, President/CEO of the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC)