The world of coaching is full of so many amazing people. Where I started way back  in 1993 was with Alan Fine, of ‘InsideOut’ who supported us to develop some incredible skills on the tennis court, getting results that most could barely believe.  I was then tasked with building a coaching course for managers so we used Alan Fine’s work and that of W. Timothy Gallwey and his work ‘The Inner Game of Tennis.’  We had course delegates building some amazing ball juggling skills on the tennis court!  What followed was a link to the work of Sir John Whitmore – (see below for a review link to his great book, ‘Coaching for Performance’), and the use of the GROW model of coaching

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews18008.html

Another on my list would be Myles Downey and his book, ‘Effective Coaching’ which is very accessible and practical for people in the workplace.  He says in his introduction, “Coaching has the capacity to bring humanity back into the workplace.”  Who wouldn’t want more of that!?

http://www.downeycoaching.com/publications.htm

Who do you know that you would nominate as a Coaching Guru?

• Building a Coaching Culture I often get asked about how to build a coaching culture in an organization. Lots of work is one answer, and it starts with getting clear about what you want to see at the end, (doesn't everything!). The map below is a session design for coaches, or those sponsoring coaching,......
• Coaching Change Have done a huge amount of coaching managers / leaders through change recently.  Some practical tips (top 20!), for being effective in this context are below, and I'm sure there are many more to add!  Support managers to:   Be confident – they do amazing things already! Have clear and positive view of progress......
• What makes a Great Coach Coaching can be a very rewarding. It's the ideal career / activity choice for those who: Like to work with people Have a strong desire to see people excel in their lives Are prepared to let others do the talking Can connect with people and listen with interest and empathy......
• Coach Approach to 360° feedback Supporting colleagues in understanding and acting upon their 360° feedback report is a vital role in the development of leadership skills and competencies throughout an organization. Managers can very effectively support each other in all manner of ways; debriefing a 360 report is great example. Use your coaching skills; avoid leading &/or giving......
• Using objects while coaching Using Objects as an aid to a Coaching Conversation   Introduction This article explains how everyday objects such as a pencil, pen, cup, saucer or spoon can be used to great effect in a coaching session.  Applications This technique can be used in any coaching conversation of 30+ minutes where......

• Book Review: Tennis for Dummies By Patrick McEnroe and Peter Bodo with a forward by John McEnroe The Dummies series has quite a following and these books specialize in breaking down everything complex about a subject until everyone can easily understand it. This latest Dummies book focuses on tennis and was written by John McEnroe’s son, and also features a forward from this well known player. This......
• This will be my last update from Aussie Land... [/caption] Today was another great day and we finally had sunshine - yeah... I took the tram to Rod Laver and was able to get in straight away. Met with the Tennis Australia group that ran the Australian Coaches Conference and thanked them for making it such a great experience.......
• Muscle Building Books I like to know what others read; it gives me a glimpse into how they think, what they like, and what makes them tick. In that light, I thought you might like to know what I read. Muscle Building Books I actually have so many books that what I'd like......
• In Tennis, Hewitt Targets an Event in Sydney as His Official Return From Injury Lleyton Hewitt, regarded as a former world number one tennis player in the entire world is planning to make his grand, official return from hip surgery very soon. His intention is to make his grand return from this injury at the Sydney International tennis tournament which is slated to begin......
• Book Review: The Tipping Point There aren't that many economists who become celebrities; there's something about the profession (or perhaps the people who gravitate to the profession) that keeps them from achieving the same level of almost certain celebrity as, say, athletes or actors.  One of the exceptions to this rule is Malcolm Gladwell, who......