cover image LEVERAGE YOUR BEST, DITCH THE REST: The Coaching Secrets Top Executives Depend On

LEVERAGE YOUR BEST, DITCH THE REST: The Coaching Secrets Top Executives Depend On

Scott Blanchard, Madeleine Homan, . . Morrow, $22.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-0-06-055978-6

The authors, founders of coaching.com, have created a plan that incorporates the strategies used by coaches when assisting their clients. Blanchard (son of renowned business consultant, Ken Blanchard) and Homan start by raising three key questions: How do you see yourself? How do others see you? How do you want to be seen? People must be able to answer these points to improve their daily work routines as well as to be happier in general. The authors walk readers through a series of exercises that offer a perspective on their office situation and in what specific areas they need guidance. In some cases, by learning how others see them, readers may be able to make easy "fixes" to a troubling professional problem, but others may find they need to change their careers. The authors clearly explain the steps readers need to take to make these changes. For example, readers are encouraged to understand their personal and professional needs, by identifying them, setting goals and looking toward friends or family who can help. Then they're asked to consider a specific incident that was unsettling and ask themselves what needs were not being met, what they might have done differently and whom they might have spoken to for advice at the time. This is an upbeat book, filled with practical advice, real life examples and numerous exercises. It is almost as good as having one-on-one sessions with an executive coach. Agent, Margret McBride. (June)

Forecast: A foreword by Ken Blanchard should help this title stand out from the many other coaching titles.