“The goal of this book is to make the case – and provide the tools – to become more than a manager, but a ‘manager-coach’, which will reflect both a skillset and mindset. Coaching is a skillset because the coaching process is eminently learnable and applied; you’ll learn a set of 7 steps that will guide your conversation. Through experimentation you’ll discover and improve a critical skillset and discover your own coaching style. At the same time, there’s significant nuances to be aware of given that multiple, complex elements are being navigated simultaneously, including the relationships, learning, and emotions that come with change.

Coaching is also a mindset because coaching skills work best when aligned to corresponding, underlying principles. At the broadest level, for example, the model has embedded the principles of democratic decision-making, participatory social interactions, individual empowerment, personal/professional development, and mutual reliance and accountabilities. (Note, coaching can work in any society, but living in an environment of free speech, for example, makes it easier for one to get one’s needs met.) Let’s look at several core mindsets that you’ll see explained in more detail throughout the chapters of the book…”