Masterful Coaching Fieldbook

Masterful Coaching Fieldbook
by Robert Hargrove, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 2000, ISBN 0-7879-4755-5

Perhaps I was expecting the level and quality of Peter Senges The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook.  This book deserves a four ball rating, in part because it builds even more on Senge’s seminal but difficult first book, Senge’s The Fifth Discipline. 

Hargrove’s first book Masterful Coaching, published in 1995, is very accessible and considered a classic in the coaching arena. This book does build on the previous one and is full of sections entitled: Practical Assignments. In fact it is full of various assignments and activities as well as checklists that can be used to apply learnings.

The focus of the book is on coaching knowledge workers and work that involves creativity and innovation. It is specifically designed for managers who consider it their responsibility to coach both individuals and teams in the new economy. If you consider yourself a leader within your organization and take your role of mentor seriously, then this is a book that is worth the price. There are even lessons here to be learnt by the seasoned coach.

I would recommend using this book not only as a great reference and refresher but also a workbook that can be slowly savoured over time.

Part I is more attitudinal but does include solid activities to complete. Part II takes Hargrove’s five step coaching model and makes it real. Part III has interviews with seven senior managers who believe in coaching. Although the book takes you through their successes as it applies to masterful coaching, I found this the least interesting. On the other hand, I suspect some mangers may find this to be the place where the rubber hits the road. I would be interested in feedback for those who read this book.

RFH (01/02)

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