Being someone’s problem solver is okay every once in a while. But coaching someone to find their own answers is way more fruitful.
In The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier teaches the reader to “say less, ask more, and change the way you lead forever.” He says his goal is to help managers and leaders to be more coach-like, to stay curious a little longer and rush to action and advice-giving a little more slowly.
Coaching people to figure out how to overcome obstacles on their own sets a team lose to expand and for business to really grow.
Stanier’s process starts with asking the question, “What’s on your mind?” From there he teaches the reader to keep pushing with a series of six more questions, seven in all, until the root issues are on the table and your team is figuring out their own solutions.
The book is set out in an easy-to-read format. The chapters are short with key phrases pulled out in quotes – perfect for a quick read before bed.
It’s an inspiring and effective read. You’ll find yourself reading a chapter, putting the book down and searching for your next victim to coach.
