ICF -Vancouver Coach Federation

6706 Alberta Street (two blocks from the Langara Canada Line Station

604-713-1816

Sue Drinnan is hosting the October Book Club.

Why coaching clients give up, by Marshall Goldsmith

Synopsis:  One of the biggest mistakes in all of leadership development is the roll-out of programs and initiatives with the promise that "this will make you better". A classic example is the performance appraisal process. Many companies change their performance appraisal forms on a regular basis. How much good does this usually do? None! These appraisal form changes just confuse leaders and are seen as annual exercises in futility. What companies don't want to face is the real problem - it is seldom the form - the real problem is the managers who lack either the courage or the discipline to make the appraisal process work. The problem with the "this will make you better" approach is that the emphasis is on the "this" and not the "you". Coaching clients need to understand that ultimately only you can make you better.

A review of research on goal-setting has helped us better understand two key areas of concern for leadership coaches: 1) Why some people give up on goals and 2) How effective goal-setting can help ensure long-term goal achievement.

Questions for our discussion in October:

1.  How does Marshall's perspective compare with your actual experience with leadership coaching?  What points do you agree/disagree with?

2.  How might this be useful in your practice?

3.  If you had a chance to meet the author what questions would you ask?