Challenging Coaching: Going beyond traditional coaching to face the FACTS

Summary

Based on the authors' extensive experience working with international Board level teams, Challenging Coaching suggests that for too long coaches have shied away from adopting a more challenging stance in their work - a stance that can provoke greater performance and unlock deeper potential in business leaders and their teams. In particular, the authors offer a new coaching approach, FACTS, to help coaches develop this challenging stance. The FACTS approach with its emphasis on FeeDavies-Blackack, Accountability, Courageous Goals, Tension and Systems Thinking is explored in theory and in practice using case studies, example dialogues and practical exercises. Long held coaching principles such as being non-directive, building rapport and holding to the client's agenda are put under the spotlight with the authors questioning their relevance to a 21st century business environment where the needs of the wider business must take precedence over the “me me me” of any specific executive. This is a timely wake up call for anyone who is responsible for the performance of others - be they coach, business leader or leadership development expert. An original and thought-provoking message that dares the reader to face the FACTS, and accept the coaching challenge.