Coaching

Hi. This section has been mostly written by me, Alan Shalloway, founder and CEO of Net Objectives. I'm living proof that good coaches can be made as I used to be very bad as a coach. I even wrote a blog (on becoming a coach) about this to help others. This section includes some of my own personal lessons learned as well as recommended resources. I am a firm believer that if someone wants to serve as a coach they can learn to be a good one. Don't be fooled into thinking it's a gift you are born with. Other coaches at Net Objectves that seem to be natural have confessed to me they weren't always as good as they are now. Since coaching often involves speaking in front of groups I've put together a page called Becoming a better speaker.

Check out What to say when someone just doesn't get it a short treatise on how to talk to people to create learning.

Also see the Instructor/Coach Attitude Checklist by Scott Bain.  A good list of important concepts to consider before starting a course or a coaching session with any group or individual.

Book Recommendations

There are many good books on coaching. This list is more about fundamental attitudes that a coach will find useful. These are a few that have helped me the best.

The Power of Losing Control by Joe Caruso. The essence of this book is that people will only do what's in their best interest and what makes them right. I firmly believe this. As a coach, you have to make sure you keep this in mind or you will have little positive impact on who you are trying to help.

Secrets of Consulting: A Guide to Giving and Getting Advice Successfully by Gerald Weinberg. There is a big difference between consulting and coaching, but there is much in here any good coach should know.

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges. There is a emotional and business aspect to change. Coaching is about change. Understanding both the emotional and business (rational) part of change will help you understand some of what the person you are coaching is going through.

Making Better Presentations

Matt Brandon has created a nice presentation and resources about Creating Presentations that Matter. This 25 minute show describes the mindset and approach you need to create presentations that will engage and move people.  What is unique about this approach is that the "slide deck" (the collection of slides) is put in its proper place - helping the audience to engage with the speaker and the content.  More information can be found on the blog on which this presentation is located.