The Coaching Habit

About the Author

Michael Bungay Stanier is a revered figure in the world of coaching and leadership. With a deep-seated belief in the power of questions, Michael has spent years helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential through effective coaching. He is the founder of Box of Crayons, a company that teaches 10-minute coaching strategies, and he is dedicated to making coaching an integral part of management practices globally. Michael's approach is characterized by simplicity, pragmatism, and an unwavering commitment to making coaching accessible and impactful for everyone. His work resonates with leaders who seek to foster a culture of curiosity, empowerment, and continuous learning within their teams.

Main Idea

At the heart of The Coaching Habit lies a simple yet transformative premise: great leaders and managers are those who coach their teams effectively, and effective coaching starts with asking the right questions. The book distills the essence of coaching into seven essential questions, which are designed to help managers coach their teams in a way that is both impactful and sustainable. Michael Bungay Stanier argues that the key to great coaching is to talk less and listen more, encouraging a culture of curiosity and self-sufficiency. By embedding these questions into daily interactions, leaders can foster growth, development, and a more empowered team.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Case for Coaching
2. The Seven Essential Questions
3. Question 1: What's On Your Mind?
4. Question 2: And What Else?
5. Question 3: What's the Real Challenge Here for You?
6. Question 4: What Do You Want?
7. Question 5: How Can I Help?
8. Question 6: If You’re Saying Yes to This, What Are You Saying No To?
9. Question 7: What Was Most Useful for You?
10. Conclusion: Building a Coaching Habit

Introduction: The Case for Coaching

Coaching is often misunderstood as a formal, time-consuming process reserved for high-level executives or critical situations. However, Michael Bungay Stanier argues that coaching should be an everyday habit for managers at all levels. The core of his argument is that coaching empowers teams to become more self-sufficient and effective, which in turn makes the leader’s job easier and more focused. Stanier emphasizes that the benefits of coaching are twofold: it enhances the performance of the team and reduces the burden on the leader by fostering independence.

He begins by highlighting common misconceptions about coaching, such as the belief that coaching is synonymous with giving advice. On the contrary, effective coaching involves asking the right questions and allowing the coachee to find their own answers. This approach not only helps in problem-solving but also builds confidence and competence within the team.

The Seven Essential Questions

At the core of The Coaching Habit are seven essential questions that Stanier believes can revolutionize the way managers coach their teams. These questions are designed to shift the focus from the manager’s solutions to the team member’s development, fostering a culture of curiosity, engagement, and continuous improvement.