Nest of Rakes, Daniel Doherty, Self-published; on Amazon, 978 10755 7224 1
Usefulness 4.5/5
This is probably the first novel on the subject of coaching. In that sense it is ground-breaking and represents a step in the development of our understanding of the coaching profession and its social context. The idea of a novel, a story, is a good one. As coaches, we listen and work with the narratives we hear from our clients. This is a narrative about the coaching domain.
Broadly based on Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress, which incidentally has, over the years attracted much artistic attention from the likes of W H Auden, Ninette du Valois, David Hockney and Stravinsky, Doherty explores the trials and tribulations of the coach, Justin Drake, as he negotiates his way through the dark nooks and crannies of the coaching world.
This style of novel is in good company and it resonates with films such as I, Daniel Blake or more recently, Sorry We Missed You.
As can be expected from the founder of the Bristol-based Critical Coaching Research Group (CCRG), the main stream discourses found in coaching today are critically developed in a well-constructed and, at times, humorous narrative.
It is by no accident that it is set in Bristol. Not only is this the home of the CCRG but it is also the home of historical slavery and the story is clear about making links to the concept of modern slavery found in today’s economic model.
Justin is caught up in an ethical dilemma of either being complicit with the unethical behaviour of his sources of income or risk losing his livelihood and his strong sense that coaching, perhaps rather idealistically, offers an alternative to modern slavery.
Coaching is, potentially at least, liberating. But, liberty has multiple meanings. Doherty takes the opportunity to explore the neofeudalistic trends in modern life, where power is taken by the few over the many and where compliance to the will of the neofeudalistic barons is a given.
In the meantime, the powerful exploit their power for their own gain at the expense of others – sound familiar? They may talk the talk of liberty but it is a liberty where they are in control of others’ liberty.
The plethora of so-called professional coaching associations are not immune from this and Doherty cleverly and wittily weaves these issues within the narrative. Supervisors beware or you’ll end up like well-meaning Brenda.
The book has some convincing conversational exchanges and the narrative is sustained throughout – I found it difficult to put down once I’d started reading it! Where the dialogue is less convincing is around the conversations Justin has with his children.
Setting that aside, it is certainly worth a read and it will provoke critical thought and, it is my hope that we as coaches may start to ask ‘what are we actually doing?’ I understand that there is a sequel Rakes Resurgent, which I look forward to reading.
- Professor Bob Garvey is managing partner at the Lio Partnership
Stuck: Brain Smart Insights for Coaches, Gill McKay, ReThink Press, 978 17813 3351 8
Usefulness 4.5/5
As a coach I didn’t think I needed another book on the subject, but sometimes one comes along that challenges the norm. Written for coaches, trainers and HR professionals, McKay, through her understanding of how the brain works, delivers proof that sustainable changes can be made in any circumstances. McKay is a coach and HR professional with years of experience and MD of MyBrain International.
Many people have been stuck with their work or life, not knowing the way forward. Not only does McKay explain why these challenges occur, she uses case studies and examples to showcase how choices can be made that help us lay down new habits using the power of neuroscience.
McKay writes with energy and makes a confusing subject easy to understand. The insights she shares will add to any professional’s toolkit, with new approaches to make positive changes with our clients, and in our own work and personal lives.
The many topics covered include: stress, isolation at work, lack of motivation, negativity and inability to make decisions.
- Julie Brown is a business coach and visibility expert
Coach Your Team, Liz Hall, Penguin Business, 978 0241 39645 2
Usefulness 4.5/5
This tight-knit, well-tailored small book offers managers, leaders or coaches a practical guide to understanding and applying an important evolution of coaching practice, ‘Conscious Coaching’, in a one-to-one and team context, a process combining core coaching skills and techniques with the fields of mindfulness and compassion.
This is a book for stirring and awakening practitioners. It is as much about being aware, as it is about being active. Hall skilfully brings together insights and developments in understanding how we are in mind-body interaction, going on to reveal the implications this has for us as we work in challenging times and address difficult problems individually and collectively.
For today’s managers and coaches, this book will chime with the unfolding experiences they are having, helping address current questions. For some, this book may be a timely and prescient guide that challenges and stimulates the “stirred” reader to go further and to be “more awake” and “aware” – to find ways of being and working that are better adapted to new challenges. The book is more than a guide, it is an invitation to go further. It is about building greater awareness, appreciating increased choice, being ‘choice full’, attending to what matters, being open to difference, taking on difference, making change, becoming informed, owning each next step.
- Anthony Kasozi is a leadership coach, consultant and founder of Quilibria Consulting