“The Coaching Habit`” by Michael Stanier – An Agile Coaches Review
Hey there, fellow Agilists! Today, I’m here to share my thoughts on a book that’s practically become my coaching bible – “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Stanier. If you haven’t picked this gem up yet, you’re missing out on some serious coaching wisdom. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew and let’s dive into this coaching adventure together.
Key Learning Point #1: The Power of Questioning Stanier’s book is like a treasure chest of powerful questions that can unlock your team’s potential. He introduces us to the “7 Essential Questions” – simple yet incredibly effective queries that can transform your coaching conversations. My personal favorite? “What’s on your mind?” – it’s like a magic key to unlocking your coachee’s thoughts and insights.
Key Learning Point #2: The Art of Listening Remember that saying about having two ears and one mouth for a reason? Well, Stanier reinforces it beautifully in this book. He teaches us how to be better listeners, not just with our ears but with our entire presence. The “AWE” (Ask, Wait, and Listen) model is worth its weight in gold. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly connect with your team and make them feel heard, this section alone is worth the price of admission.
Key Learning Point #3: Taming the Advice Monster We all know that feeling when we’re itching to give advice, right? Stanier brilliantly calls this the “Advice Monster” and gives us practical strategies to keep it in check. Learning to resist the urge to solve problems for your coachees and instead empower them to find their own solutions is a game-changer. It’s like discovering the secret sauce for fostering independence and growth in your team.
Key Learning Point #4: Building a Coaching Habit Becoming an effective coach isn’t just about knowing what to do; it’s about making coaching a habit. Stanier provides a roadmap for creating a coaching culture within your team or organization. From the “New Habit Formula” to practical tips on implementation, he guides us step by step. It’s like having a personal coach for building your coaching skills.
Wrapping up, “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Stanier is a must-read for anyone in the Agile world (or any world, really) who’s looking to supercharge their coaching game. It’s witty, engaging, and filled with practical advice that you can apply immediately. So, go ahead, add it to your reading list, and get ready to become a coaching superstar!
Keep coaching, keep learning, and keep rocking the Agile world!
