The Coaching Habit
by Michael Bungay Stanier
Seven questions that turn managers into coaches in ten minutes a day: what's on your mind, and what else, what's the real challenge here for you, what do you want, how can I help, what will you say no to, what was most useful. It is short, practical and built around the hard habit of staying curious instead of giving advice.
Read it if…
you manage people and solve their problems for them, and it is exhausting both of you.
Skip it if…
you want deep coaching theory; this is a tool, deliberately simple.
Three things you will actually use
- Ask, don't tell; the advice reflex is the enemy.
- 'And what else?' is the best coaching question.
- End with 'what was most useful?'
Do this first
In your next one-on-one, ask 'and what else?' three times before offering anything.
Our verdict
Short, practical and genuinely habit-forming; a manager's essential.
Compare with other Leadership books
The Advice Trap
Michael Bungay Stanier · Leadership
A useful second step; practical and brief.
CLICK TO SEE
The Leader's Greatest Return
John C. Maxwell · Leadership
Multiplication, not inspiration.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Leadership book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.