Review
"Michael Bungay Stanier distills the essentials of coaching to seven core questions. And if you master his simple yet profound technique, you’ll get a two-fer. You’ll provide more effective support to your employees and co-workers. And you may find that you become the ultimate coach for yourself."
―Daniel H. Pink, author of To Sell Is Human and Drive
"Coaching is an art, and it’s far easier said than done. It takes courage to ask a question rather than offer up advice, provide an answer or unleash a solution. Giving another person the opportunity to find their own way, make their own mistakes and create their own wisdom is both brave and vulnerable. It can also mean unlearning our “fix it” habits. In this practical and inspiring book, Michael shares seven transformative questions that can make a difference in how we lead and support. And he guides us through the tricky part: how to take this new information and turn it into habits and a daily practice."
―Brené Brown, author of Rising Strong and Daring Greatly
"What can you do to become a better leader? Michael asks and answers this question by offering aspiring leaders seven thoughtful questions that will change their leadership habits. This book is full of practical, useful and interesting questions, ideas and tools that will guide any leader trying to be better."
―Dave Ulrich, co-author of The Why of Work and The Leadership Code
"Michael’s intelligence, wit, articulateness and dedication to the craft of coaching shine forth in this brilliant how-to manual for anyone called to assist others. Even after four decades of my own experience in this arena, The Coaching Habit has provided me with great takeaways."
―David Allen, author of Getting Things Done
"Amid a sea of coaching books that drone on with the same old, overused conceptual frameworks, there is a gem of hope. The Coaching Habit is a treasure trove of practical wisdom that takes a timeless pursuit―to turn every manager into a coach―and breaks it down into a simple set of everyday habits. If you are ready to take your leadership to the next level, you need this book."
―Jessica Amortegui, Senior Director Learning & Development, Logitech
"There are many coaching books out there that end up on the bookshelf half read. Michael Bungay Stanier’s The Coaching Habit engages you from start to finish. A simple read that is bold and direct, relatable and real, this book will change the way you communicate with colleagues at work and family at home. If you want to read one book on coaching that will resonate with you quickly and that is not overwhelming, choose this one."
―Johanne McNally Myers, VP Human Resources, Tim Hortons
"Among a plethora of books, studies and op-ed pieces about the importance of coaching and how to execute this most critical of development interventions well, it’s easy to understand why students and practitioners of the craft feel confused or overwhelmed by the array of approaches, frameworks and systems extolled as “the right way.”Michael Bungay Stanier has expertly cut through this confusion with his new book in a manner that is simple to understand, realistic in its intention and ultimately effective to apply. I believe this book will establish itself as a powerful and useful toolset for the professional coach, the student learner and the people manager alike."
―Stuart Crabb, Director Learning & Development, Facebook
"This is not just a book; this is the voice in your head, the person that sits on your shoulder―guiding you to greatness. Being a great coach is more than skill; it’s a mindset, a way of being. Michael has a remarkable way of delivering that message through artful storytelling, practical examples and proven techniques. A must-have book for the coach who truly wants to make a difference."
―Sinéad Condon, Head of Global Performance Enablement, CA Technologies
"The Coaching Habit is funny, smart, practical, memorable and rounded in current behavioural science. I found it highly valuable for my own work and collaborations."
―James Slezak, Executive Director of Strategy, New York Times
"Where others can overcomplicate the purpose and practice of coaching, Michael Bungay Stanier provides a practical and unintimidating approach to this essential habit of great leaders. He succinctly articulates the research behind the art of respectful inquiry and its role in fostering an authentic partnership among colleagues who are committed to doing meaningful work together. The Coaching Habit is a thoroughly enjoyable read that immediately inspired me to adopt new habits."
―Dana Woods, CEO, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
"The magic of leadership occurs in daily conversations. With The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier gives managers an extremely simple yet powerful tool (just seven questions!) to help them coach their teams to greatness, each and every day."
―Andrew Collier, Head of Leadership Development, Nestlé
“Fantastic . . . and where was this book when I needed it?” are the first thoughts popping into my head after reading this book. I’ve read countless books on leadership and coaching over my career but few brought it all together like Michael Bungay Stanier’s. I love the concepts of keeping it simple and practice, practice, practice, which are key to building your coaching habit. Michael makes what some leaders see as complex a simple process, whether you are an experienced or new people leader. Definitely a must-read book."
―Monique Bateman, SVP, TD Bank Group
"The Coaching Habit is the essence of practical coaching for busy managers. No filler, no abstract theory, no tedious stories. Just everyday, practical tools so that you can coach in ten minutes or less."
―Melissa Daimler, Head of Learning & Organizational Development, Twitter
"Bungay Stanier has it right. We are creatures of habit, and from our habits we create ourselves, our lives and the world around us. The Coaching Habit is a manual for applying the power of habit to the power of coaching to accomplish more with and through others. Do not read this book. Practice it. Apply it. Keep it on your desk and build your coaching habit."
―Michele Milan, CEO Executive Programs, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
About the Author
"An autobiography is only to be trusted when it reveals something disgraceful. A man who gives a good account of himself is probably lying, since any life when viewed from the inside is simply a series of defeats." ―George Orwell Michael was banned from his high school graduation for "the balloon incident", was sued by one of his Law School lecturers for defamation, gave himself a concussion digging a hole as a laborer, was fired on his first shift as a garage attendant and has held a number of jobs where he had little or no impact. Luckily, there's also been some upside. He is the author of a number of successful books including: End Malaria (which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Malaria No More), Do More Great Work, Get Unstuck & Get Going, Great Work Provocations and most recently The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever. He is also the founder and Senior Partner of Box of Crayons (BoxOfCrayons.biz), was the first Canadian Coach of the Year and a Rhodes Scholar. Box of Crayons is a company that helps organizations around the world do less Good Work and more Great Work. They specialize in giving busy managers the tools so they can coach in 10 minutes or less. They have particular expertise with organizations in the financial, professional service, pharmaceutical and consumer goods market sectors, and particular success with organizations with engaged but overwhelmed employees. Their programs are delivered by a global cadre of program leaders. Michael speaks regularly to audiences around the world. Highlights include speaking at Google, the HRPA and SHRM conferences, the Rural Women of Manitoba conference and anywhere that's vaguely warm during wintertime in Toronto, his home. "If I had to pick a person to have dinner with, when I need to be prodded and challenged and inspired to think about the things I really am committed to think about for myself and what I'm doing, I'd pick Michael Bungay Stanier. He has an ability to shake our tree and make us more conscious and responsible about what we know but aren't willing to admit we know yet." ―David Allen, author of Getting Things Done
