Executive Coaching with Backbone & Heart

Executive Coaching with Backbone and Heart : A Systems Approach to Engaging Leaders with Their Challenges
by Mary Beth O'Neill, Jossey-Bass, 2000 ISBN: 0787950165

It seems quite awhile since I have found a book in my own field that I can completely recommend to almost anyone.  This is a terrific book for coaches, consultants and leaders at all levels. Finally here is a book that explains the role of coaching as an Organization Development intervention.  As well it clearly alginates the differences between calling yourself an executive coach and the competencies required to actually be one.  In fact I would have to say that this is a must read for any executive or corporate coach.

One reviewer said this book was easy to read.  While it is well written and gives the illusion of simplicity, the concepts and specifics inside are subtler than that.  I am a quick reader and it took me some time to properly digest what O’Neill was really saying.  And this is not a big book.  When I first picked it up, I remember thinking.  Oh brother another expensive book without much meat.  I was completely wrong.  There doesn’t appear to be a lot of theory, but it is clear that theory is the underpinning of the author’s work and it is there front and centre.  However, you do not notice it because of how it is presented.  

This one of the few books that I have read where the short case studies really added value to the book.  In the cases typical situations and examples of how she expertly handled them were reviewed, as well as some warnings about how the coach can also get triggered by what is happening.  Another great part is that this book as a "go back to" reference.  The three Appendix contain a personal assessment, questions to ask clients and issues on how to combine consulting with coaching or vice versa.

RFH (01/05)