PART I

FOUNDATIONS OF COACHING

Part I, Foundations of Coaching, sets the stage for coaching as an approach to successful leadership. This section is comprised of foundational pieces, “classics” if you will, that explain how and why leadership coaching is relevant, valid, and necessary in today’s post-management business arena. We begin our book with an updated version of Marshall Goldsmith’s article, “Coaching for Behavioral Change,” in which Marshall describes his proven process for behavioral change and explains the importance of integrating a practical, behavioral change mechanism as a vital foundation element that must be at the root of successful coaching. In order to flourish within an enterprise or nonprofit organization, coaching must support the creation of core value in delivering genuine measurable economic business results. Chapter Two, “Coaching at the Heart of Strategy” by Laurence S. Lyons, introduces a new and broader way of thinking about strategy to incorporate the ambitions of the individual as well as the work team and organization. We see this idea of mutual strategy as one of the foundations of coaching, and in describing this important connection, this chapter provides invaluable direction for coaches, individuals, teams, and organizations. Chapter Three, “Situational Leadership and Performance Coaching” by Paul Hersey and Roger Chevalier, reminds us once again that coaching is situational. In their article, they reveal how Situational Leadership® provides the necessary structure to guide executive coaches in working with their clients. In his article, “Coaching and Consultation Revisited: Are They the Same?” Edgar H. Schein raises and answers fundamental questions about the purpose and nature of coaching and shows how it can be regarded as a branch of process consulting. Setting forth critical descriptions of each, he compares the two and defines their differences. Finally, Dave Ulrich and Jessica K. Johnson demystify coaching in their article, “Demystifying the Coaching Mystique.” With explanations of the various types, needs for, and methods of coaching, Dave and Jessica’s article is a must-read for established and potential coaches and those looking to work with a coach for whatever reason.