Co-Active Coaching Book Summary - Co-Active Coaching Book explained in key points
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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

4.4 (140 ratings)
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
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    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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    Key ideas in Co-Active Coaching

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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
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    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

    About the Author

    Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House and Laura Whitworth are the co-founders of The Coaches Training Institute, the foremost coach-training school in the world. Phillip Sandahl is the co-founder and principal of Team Coaching International and a former senior faculty member of CTI.

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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:
    • How to Begin by Michael Bungay Stanier
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    • The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
    • Coaching for Performance by Sir John Whitmore
    • The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
    • Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
    • Unlocking Potential by Michael K. Simpson
    • Time to Think by Nancy Kline
    • Electra by Sophocles