Coaching is not just a skill; it’s an art that requires constant learning and improvement. As a leader, you may have the best intentions to coach your team, but without the right resources, it can be challenging to know where to start. This is where coaching books come in – they offer insights, techniques, and real-life stories from experienced coaches that can help you enhance your skills and better serve your team.
As legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” Wooden was a firm believer in the value of continuous learning, and that’s a sentiment shared by many successful coaches. In the field of leadership coaching, there are many books that offer valuable insights and techniques for coaches looking to improve their skills.
One such book is “The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever” by Michael Bungay Stanier. In this book, Stanier offers a simple yet powerful approach to coaching that focuses on asking questions to help individuals find their own solutions. As Stanier says, “The essence of coaching is not telling people what to do, but helping them to think things through for themselves.”
Another great coaching book is “Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t” by Simon Sinek. In this book, Sinek explores the concept of leadership from a biological and anthropological perspective, offering insights on how leaders can create a culture of trust and collaboration within their teams.Â
As Sinek says, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
In this blog post, we’ll provide a list of the top 10 best coaching books on leadership coaching. These books offer a range of insights, techniques, and real-life stories that can help you improve your coaching skills and better serve your team. So let’s dive in and discover the best coaching books for leadership coaching!
Table of Contents
The Criteria Of Choosing The Best Coaching Books
Choosing the best coaching books on leadership coaching can be a daunting task, given the vast number of books available. It was definitely not easy for me. We did not read all 10 books within a week. However, we have used the following criteria to identify the top 10 best coaching books:
- Relevance to leadership coaching: The book should be specifically focused on leadership coaching, rather than coaching in general. This is important to ensure that the techniques and strategies discussed in the book are relevant to the unique challenges of coaching leaders.
- Credibility of the author: The author should have significant experience in coaching and leadership, and preferably hold relevant certifications or qualifications. This ensures that the advice and techniques provided in the book are based on proven methods and sound principles.
- Quality of writing: The book should be well-written, clear, and engaging. This is important to ensure that readers can easily understand and apply the concepts discussed in the book.
- Diversity of perspectives: The book should offer a range of perspectives and insights, rather than being focused on a single approach or technique. This allows readers to gain a broad understanding of coaching and leadership, and to find techniques that work best for them.
- Practicality of the advice: The book should provide practical advice that readers can apply in their coaching practice. This means that the advice and techniques should be actionable and applicable to real-world situations.
By using these criteria, we have identified the top 10 best coaching books on leadership coaching that can help you enhance your coaching skills and better serve your team. These books offer a range of perspectives and techniques, ensuring that you can find the approach that works best for you and your team.
Top 10 Best Coaching Books: On Leadership Coaching
Leadership coaching is a critical skill for any manager or executive looking to build a successful team. However, coaching is not an innate talent – it requires a specific set of skills and techniques that can be honed and developed over time.
 The good news is that there is a wealth of resources available to help you improve your coaching skills, including the top 10 best coaching books on leadership coaching. These books offer valuable insights, techniques, and perspectives that can help you become a more effective coach, and ultimately lead your team to success.
1. “Co-Active Coaching: The Proven Framework for Transformative Conversations at Work and in Life” by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth.
“Co-Active Coaching” is a classic book on coaching that has helped thousands of coaches and clients transform their lives and work. The authors provide a comprehensive framework for coaching that emphasizes the importance of co-creating relationships with clients, building trust, and listening deeply. This book is an essential read for any coach looking to enhance their coaching skills.
This book has been hailed as a seminal work in the coaching field. According to John Mattone, a leadership coach and speaker, “Co-Active Coaching is the bible of coaching.” The book has also received praise from business leaders such as Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, who has described it as “an incredibly powerful book for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the world.”
Reviews and Praises:
- “Co-Active Coaching is the definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of co-active coaching. This book provides a powerful framework for coaching that is grounded in respect, trust, and collaboration. It is full of practical tools and techniques that will help you become a more effective coach and leader.” – Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manager and Leading at a Higher Level
- “Co-Active Coaching is an excellent resource for coaches, leaders, and managers who want to improve their coaching skills. It provides a comprehensive overview of the co-active coaching model and offers practical guidance on how to apply it in real-life situations. The authors are experts in their field and their insights are valuable and thought-provoking.” – Tony Robbins, author of Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power
2. “The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation” by Elena Aguilar.
“The Art of Coaching” is a practical guide for coaches working in educational settings. The author shares a range of strategies and techniques for coaching teachers and administrators, including building trust, setting goals, and providing feedback. This book is a must-read for anyone working in education or interested in educational coaching.
This book is geared towards educational coaches and has been highly regarded for its practical insights and strategies. According to Jim Knight, senior research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, “The Art of Coaching is an essential book for anyone who wants to be a great coach in education.” The book has also been recommended by notable educators such as Michael Fullan, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.
Reviews And Praises:
- According to Jim Knight, author of “Instructional Coaching,” “The Art of Coaching” is “a book that should be read by anyone who works as a coach in any capacity.” He praised the author for her “depth of understanding of the complex and challenging work of coaching” and her ability to provide “concrete and practical advice” for coaches in schools.
- In a review for ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), Joyce King, a professor at Georgia State University, wrote that “The Art of Coaching” is “an essential resource for any coach who wants to support and facilitate change in schools.” She praised the author for her “clarity, honesty, and depth of experience” and for providing “practical and relevant strategies” for coaches to use in their work.
- Jennifer Abrams, author of “Swimming in the Deep End: Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives,” described “The Art of Coaching” as “a must-read for anyone involved in coaching and leading in education.” She noted that the book “is not only about coaching, but also about the culture and systems that must be in place to support coaching.”
3. “Leadership Coaching: The Disciplines, Skills, and Heart of a Coach” by Tony Stoltzfus.
“Leadership Coaching” is a comprehensive guide to coaching leaders and executives. The author provides a range of tools and techniques for coaching clients, including assessing strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, and developing action plans. This book is an excellent resource for coaches working with senior leaders and executives.
Reviews and Praises:
- “Tony Stoltzfus has written a comprehensive guide to leadership coaching that is grounded in the latest research and best practices. This book provides a wealth of information and insights that will help you become a more effective coach and leader. It is an essential resource for anyone who is serious about coaching and leadership development.” – Jim Kouzes, co-author of The Leadership Challenge and The Truth About Leadership
- “Leadership Coaching is an outstanding book that provides practical guidance and insights on how to become a better coach and leader. Tony Stoltzfus is a master coach and his expertise shines through on every page. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take their coaching and leadership skills to the next level.” – Michael Hyatt, author of Your Best Year Ever and Living Forward
4. “The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever” by Michael Bungay Stanier.
“The Coaching Habit” is a practical guide for leaders who want to become better coaches. The author shares a range of techniques for asking powerful questions, listening deeply, and building trust. This book is an easy read and provides practical tips that can be implemented immediately.
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to become a more effective coach. Stanier provides a simple, yet powerful framework for coaching that focuses on asking the right questions and letting the coachee do most of the talking. The book is highly practical and provides numerous examples and exercises that can be applied immediately.
This book has been widely praised for its practical approach to coaching. According to Shane Parrish, founder of the Farnam Street blog, “The Coaching Habit is the single best coaching book I’ve ever read. It’s practical, useful, and easy to apply.” Notable executives such as Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, have also recommended this book as a must-read for leaders looking to improve their coaching skills.
Reviews and Praises:
- “This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to coach others effectively. The Coaching Habit provides a practical framework that is easy to understand and apply in real-life situations. It is full of powerful questions that will help you become a better coach and leader.” – Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive and To Sell is Human
- “Michael Bungay Stanier has written a masterpiece of a coaching book. It is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to coach others. The Coaching Habit provides a framework that is easy to use and implement. It will help you become a more effective coach, leader, and manager.” – Marshall Goldsmith, author of Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
5. “The Mindful Coach: Seven Roles for Facilitating Leader Development” by Doug Silsbee.
“The Mindful Coach” is a guide to coaching that emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and awareness. The author shares a range of techniques for developing self-awareness, including meditation, reflection, and journaling. This book is an excellent resource for coaches who want to enhance their self-awareness and presence.
Reviews And Praises:
- In a review for The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, Krista Hoffmeister, a leadership coach and consultant, called “The Mindful Coach” a “groundbreaking” book that “integrates mindfulness and coaching in a way that is accessible, informative, and transformative.” She praised the author for his “insightful and practical advice” and for his “focus on the development of the whole person, rather than just their leadership skills.”
- In a review for Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, R.B. Stewart, a professor at Northern Illinois University, wrote that “The Mindful Coach” is “a rich, insightful resource for anyone who is committed to facilitating leader development.” He praised the author for his “holistic and integrative approach” and for his “thoughtful and reflective writing style.”
- According to John H. Zenger, co-author of “The Extraordinary Coach: How the Best Leaders Help Others Grow,” “The Mindful Coach” is “a truly valuable book for coaches at all levels of experience.” He noted that the book “provides a fresh and innovative perspective on coaching, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, empathy, and personal development.”
6. “Coaching: The Secret Code To Uncommon Leadership” by Ruchira Choudhary
“Knowing how to coach others is a powerful tool. Ruchira Chaudhary’s book Coaching:
The Secret Code to Uncommon Leadership is a clear and crisp guide to a core element of
strong leadership: helping others up their game”-Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook.Â
Read this, then lead this! This book provides a powerful framing of leadership as
coaching. Then the book goes beyond that-to how you can embed a coaching culture
throughout your organization. This is exactly what today’s firms and employees
need from our leaders.
Reviews And Praises:
- Today’s digitally oriented organizations operate at high speed and complexity- they need leaders who are coaches, not controllers. These leaders in turn have the responsibility of building future-ready leaders who are agile and nimble. A leader needs to encourage his or her team to constantly innovate, think out of the box and deliver transformative change. This book does a great job of illustrating how the best leaders do that through coaching. A timely read for anyone wishing to transition from being a manager to a leader or from being a good leader to a great one. – Nandan Nilekani, Chairman And Co-Founder Infosys, And Founding Chairman, Uidai (Aadhaar)
- At Microsoft, our culture is grounded in a growth mindset: the belief that everyone has tremendous potential to improve and grow. And what we’ve found is that coaching sits at the foundation of empowering each person to become a successful leader, which is why we included coaching as one of the three core attributes in our management excellence framework-Model, Coach, Care. This book helps unlock the secrets of coaching ina thoughtful collection of learnings, insights and case studies that will guide the leaders of today on how to empower the leaders of tomorrow‘- Kathleen Hogan, Chief People Officer, Microsoft
7. “Becoming a Professional Life Coach: Lessons from the Institute of Life Coach Training” by Patrick Williams and Diane Menendez.
“Becoming a Professional Life Coach” is a comprehensive guide to the skills and competencies required to become a successful coach. The authors provide a range of tools and techniques for coaching, including listening skills, goal-setting, and action planning. This book is an essential read for anyone looking to become a professional coach.
Review And Praises:
- Marshall Goldsmith, a world-renowned executive coach and author, said, “This book is a must-read for anyone interested in becoming a professional coach. It provides a clear, practical roadmap for success in the coaching profession and offers invaluable advice and insights from some of the best coaches in the field.”
- The International Coach Federation (ICF), the world’s largest coaching organization, endorsed the book, saying, “This comprehensive guide is an essential resource for anyone considering a career in coaching or looking to advance their coaching skills. It covers all aspects of coaching, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques, and includes case studies and practical exercises to help coaches develop their skills and build a successful coaching practice.”
8. “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander.
“The Art of Possibility” is a powerful book that provides a uniquecperspective on coaching and leadership. The authors share a range of techniques and stories that inspire individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. This book is an excellent resource for coaches looking to inspire their clients and help them reach their full potential.
Reviews And Praises:
- “This book is a masterpiece! The authors’ insights and ideas on leadership and personal transformation are profound and inspiring. They show us how to shift our perspective and embrace possibility in all aspects of our lives. The stories and examples are engaging and memorable, and the practical exercises are both fun and transformative. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to expand their horizons and live a more fulfilling life.” – Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos
- “The Art of Possibility is one of the most beautiful and inspiring books I’ve ever read. The Zanders’ combination of music, storytelling, and coaching is pure magic, and their insights on leadership and personal growth are both profound and practical. This book will help you unleash your creativity, expand your awareness, and connect with your innermost self. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to live a life of possibility and purpose.” – Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post.
9. “The Coaching Mindset: 8 Ways to Think Like a Coach” by Chad Hall.
“The Coaching Mindset” is a guide to developing a coaching mindset, which involves adopting a set of attitudes and beliefs that support effective coaching. The author shares a range of techniques for developing a coaching mindset, including focusing on growth, building relationships, and developing a learning mindset. This book is an excellent resource for coaches looking to enhance their mindset and approach to coaching.
“The Coaching Mindset: 8 Ways to Think Like a Coach” by Chad Hall is a practical guide for individuals looking to improve their coaching skills. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and techniques used by successful coaches.
Reviewers have praised the book for its clear and concise writing style, as well as its actionable advice. One reviewer noted that “Chad Hall has a gift for explaining complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand and apply.” Another reviewer stated that “The Coaching Mindset is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to become a more effective coach.”
Reviews And Praises:
- Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned executive coach and author, has called it “an excellent guide to thinking like a coach and creating a positive impact on others.”Â
- John C. Maxwell, a well-known leadership expert, has also recommended the book, saying that “it provides a practical roadmap for anyone who wants to become a more effective coach.”
Overall, “The Coaching Mindset” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their coaching skills. Its practical advice, clear writing style, and endorsements from prominent coaches make it a must-read for coaches and business leaders alike.
10. “The Leadership Coaching Sourcebook: A Guide to the Executive Coaching Literature” by Joanne Sujansky and Jan Ferri-Reed.
“The Leadership Coaching Sourcebook” is a comprehensive guide to the executive coaching literature. The authors provide summaries and reviews of the most important books and articles on coaching, along with a range of tools and techniques for selecting and evaluating coaches. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in coaching or seeking to hire a coach.
Reviews And Praises:
“This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the field of coaching. The authors have done an outstanding job of summarizing the major theories and practices of coaching, and their analysis of the literature is comprehensive and insightful. This book is a must-read for coaches, managers, and anyone interested in the development of human potential.” – Sir John Whitmore, author of “Coaching for Performance”
“This is a superb guide for anyone interested in the field of executive coaching. The authors have done a masterful job of synthesizing the research and practice of coaching, and their insights are both deep and practical. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the keys to effective coaching in the context of leadership development.” – Dr. Laura Belsten, author of “The Executive Coaching Handbook”
Additional Mentions
- “The Leader as Coach: Strategies for Coaching and Developing Others” by David Peterson – This book provides a comprehensive framework for coaching within a business context. According to Marshall Goldsmith, executive coach and bestselling author, “David Peterson has done a great job of integrating the latest research on coaching with practical, actionable advice for leaders.” The book has also been recommended by executives such as Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks.
- “Leadership Coaching: The Disciplines, Skills, and Heart of a Christian Coach” by Tony Stoltzfus – This book offers a unique perspective on coaching, blending leadership principles with Christian values. According to Mark Sanborn, bestselling author and speaker, “Tony Stoltzfus has done a masterful job of synthesizing the best practices of coaching with the biblical principles of servant leadership.” The book has also been recommended by notable pastors such as Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best coaching books for leadership coaching?
There are many great coaching books for leadership coaching, but some of the best include “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier, “Co-Active Coaching” by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth, “Leadership Coaching: The Disciplines, Skills and Heart of a Coach” by Tony Stoltzfus, “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, and “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl.
How can leadership coaching books improve my coaching skills?
Leadership coaching books can help you improve your coaching skills by providing insights and strategies for coaching leaders, executives, and other high-level professionals. They can help you understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with coaching at this level, and give you tools and techniques to help you be more effective in your coaching.
Are there any coaching books that focus specifically on coaching executives and leaders?
Yes, there are many coaching books that focus specifically on coaching executives and leaders. Some examples include “The Leadership Coaching Sourcebook” by Joelle K. Jay, “Executive Coaching with Backbone and Heart” by Mary Beth O’Neill, “The Extraordinary Coach: How the Best Leaders Help Others Grow” by John H. Zenger and Kathleen Stinnett, and “The Leader’s Guide to Coaching: Discover & Develop the Strengths of Your People” by Fiona Elsa Dent and Mike Brent. Or wait for our next blog.
Can I use these coaching books to coach myself as a leader?
Yes, you can use coaching books to coach yourself as a leader. Many coaching books provide exercises and activities that you can use to reflect on your own leadership style, identify areas for growth, and develop your own coaching skills. Additionally, by reading coaching books, you can gain insights and perspectives on leadership and coaching that can help you be a more effective leader.
What sets the best coaching books on leadership coaching apart from others?
The best coaching books on leadership coaching are typically written by experienced coaches who have worked with a variety of leaders and executives. They provide practical strategies and techniques that are based on real-world experience, and they are often backed up by research and case studies. Additionally, the best coaching books on leadership coaching are usually written in an engaging and accessible style that makes them easy to read and apply.
