ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writing a book is a solitary and at times lonely undertaking, but it is never created in isolation. This book is the work of many people, and the most important contributors are the hundreds of leaders and coaches I have had the privilege of working with over the past twenty-five years. All that I have learned from each of them in our work is what makes this book possible.

I am deeply appreciative to those colleagues who read part or all of this manuscript and provided me feedback that both challenged and affirmed my thinking along the way. Nathinee Chen has been extraordinary as a development editor from beginning to end, and Kathe Sweeney has been a most supportive editor. Linda Antone has worked tirelessly and meticulously on the manuscript and the very long list of permissions.

Great appreciation to my husband, Frederic, for his early contributions to the field of coaching and original concepts surrounding the whole person as articulated in Part Five; Sandy Smith for her long-term thought partnering that serves to enhance our work in the coaching arena and her generous contribution of a handful of case vignettes throughout this book; our leadership team, whose wisdom over many years has advanced our coaching practices and contributed to this work immeasurably; and Ron Short’s wisdom and important contributions to the model for self as coach, based on his lifetime of experience in related fields.

Many wise and experienced professionals have contributed opinions, ideas, and helpful recommendations. Karl Grass, Tom Pollack, and Bill Lindberg have provided valuable thoughts on major portions of this book that have served to shape my thinking. Kathleen Stinnett and Joy Leach have been ready to offer ideas and good thinking whenever I asked. Once again, the wordsmith genius, Barbara D’Amico, is evidenced in portions of the book. Finally the support and good thinking of my colleague and sister, Toni McLean, has been invaluable and enormously appreciated at every step in this writing journey.

June 2012 Pamela McLean

Santa Barbara, California