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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Co-Active Coaching summary
Henry Kimsey-House
Karen Kimsey-House
Phillip Sandahl
Laura Whitworth
Changing Business, Transforming Lives - The Book That Helped Define the Field of Professional Coaching
14 mins
Brief summary
'Co-Active Coaching' by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl and Laura Whitworth is a guide for professional coaches that emphasizes the importance of interactive and collaborative coaching. It teaches how to communicate effectively, increase awareness and become a better listener.
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Co-Active Coaching
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
The foundation of co-active coaching is open and collaborative conversation.
Every effective coaching relationship is built on collaboration and trust. And in the upcoming blinks, you’ll learn exactly how to build such a relationship with your client.
The authors use the term co-active to describe a process in which both the client and the coach actively collaborate together: both are involved in the process.
Ultimately, co-active coaching is not centered on problem-solving, but on conversation. Of course, you’ll be addressing issues and finding solutions, but the process is primarily about awareness, discover and choice. That process starts when you familiarize yourself with the four cornerstones of the co-active coaching model:
First, you have to begin by assuming that all people are inherently creative and resourceful. We are all capable of finding answers, making choices and learning from our mistakes.
Secondly, remember that there’s more to a coaching relationship than just problem-solving. Try to see the bigger picture: there are many different factors that impact a client’s life – things like work, family, emotions and so on.
Third: when you’re talking to your client, make sure you pay attention to subtle details like tone, mood and body language – and not just on the content of the conversation. The co-active conversation can only work if you create a safe, trusting space that allows for vulnerability; such a space depends on your being tuned into your conversational partner.
And finally, encourage transformation. Even if your client hired you to work with them on one specific area, having a broad vision will allow you to nudge them toward more holistic, and therefore valuable, change.
So, all in all, the world of co-active coaching isn’t about “fixing” clients; it’s about helping them discover and develop their true selves.
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What is Co-Active Coaching about?
Co-Active Coaching (2011) is about designing an effective, empowering relationship between the client and the coach. The authors outline the cornerstones of collaborative coaching, providing applicable examples of how to achieve a successful and trusting coach-client relationship.
Co-Active Coaching Review
Co-Active Coaching (2011) is a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of co-active coaching, a transformative approach to personal and professional development. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- By offering a wealth of practical exercises and techniques, it equips readers with the tools they need to become effective and skilled co-active coaches.
- Combining decades of coaching experience, the authors provide real-world examples and case studies that bring the concepts to life and demonstrate their efficacy.
- The book's holistic approach to coaching, focusing on the entire individual and their unique journey, guarantees that readers will find it engaging, insightful, and far from monotonous.
Best quote from Co-Active Coaching
Powerful coaching is not about being a powerful coach; it is about the power the client experiences.
—Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl and Laura Whitworth
Who should read Co-Active Coaching?
- Anyone who wants to become a successful coach
- Managers who coach or mentor their staff
- Established coaches who want to expand their knowledge
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Co-Active Coaching FAQs
What is the main message of Co-Active Coaching?
Achieve powerful coaching transformations through collaboration.
How long does it take to read Co-Active Coaching?
Reading time varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Co-Active Coaching a good book? Is it worth reading?
Co-Active Coaching is worth reading for its transformative coaching insights and practical techniques.
Who is the author of Co-Active Coaching?
Co-Active Coaching is written by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth.
What to read after Co-Active Coaching?
If you're wondering what to read next after Co-Active Coaching, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- You Coach You by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
- The Coach's Survival Guide by Kim Morgan
- Growing Great Employees by Erika Andersen
- Leading with Love and Laughter by Zina Sutch and Patrick Malone
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