What a joy to read! It's to the point, easy to understand, and makes it simple to put the model into practice. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the GROW model, which provide an excellent starting point for beginner coaches like myself. Even though this is the 6th edition, it's my first encounter with Sir John Whitmore's work, and I’m glad the updates reflect recent global events.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nicholas BrealeyUS publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own

As a coach, I’ve often heard Coaching for Performance described as the gold standard for understanding the art of coaching. Despite owning the 5th edition for several years, it had been sitting on my bookshelf, unread—until now.
The opportunity to review the 6th edition provided the perfect motivation to dive in.
What I discovered is that this book is much more than a guide for becoming a great coach; it's also a valuable resource for anyone aspiring to be an effective leader or manager. The author builds on Sir John Whitmore’s original work, applying its principles not only to coaches but also to leaders, using clear examples and real-life coaching scenarios.
Having the 5th edition at hand, I took the time to compare it with the 6th edition. While much of the core content remains consistent, Tiffany Gaskell has enhanced the material to reflect the vast changes that have occurred in the workplace since the pandemic. These updates provide essential insights for leaders and coaches navigating the post-2020 world.
One of the book’s strengths is how it follows a few leader-coaches and their employees as they work through the GROW model, making the material practical and relatable.
I also appreciated the appendices, which include a glossary of terms and a “Coach’s Toolkit” filled with helpful resources like question prompts.
If you've already read the 5th edition and feel confident in your post-pandemic leadership or coaching skills, you might not find it necessary to purchase the 6th edition. However, if you’ve never read Coaching for Performance and are looking to grow as a coach or leader, this edition is an excellent tool to enhance your abilities—creating a win-win for everyone involved.
Disclaimer: I received the 6th edition of this book from the publisher. However, I was under no obligation to provide a review and all opinions expressed here are my own

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Coaching for Performance, 6th Edition: The Principles and Practice of Coaching and Leadership by John Whitmore and Tiffany Gaskell is a comprehensive and insightful guide that continues to set the standard in the field of coaching. This fully revised edition for 2024 builds on the legacy of Whitmore’s pioneering work, incorporating contemporary insights and practices that reflect the evolving landscape of leadership and organizational development.

At the heart of the book is the influential GROW model, a cornerstone of coaching methodology that emphasizes Goal setting, Reality checking, Options exploration, and Will (or Way forward). Whitmore and Gaskell delve deeply into each component, providing practical examples and exercises that make the concepts accessible and actionable for both new and experienced coaches.

One of the standout features of this edition is its emphasis on inclusivity and the creation of a meaningful coaching culture within organizations. The authors argue convincingly that fostering an environment where employees feel empowered and valued can lead to significant improvements in productivity, engagement, and overall organizational success. This edition also introduces new material on measuring the return on investment (ROI) of coaching, a critical aspect for demonstrating its value.

Thos book is rich with real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the transformative power of coaching. These stories highlight the practical application of the GROW model and underscore the profound impact that effective coaching can have on individuals and teams. The authors’ combined expertise shines through, offering readers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom.

Whitmore’s legacy as a pioneer in the coaching profession is honored and expanded upon by Gaskell, whose contributions ensure that the book remains relevant and forward-thinking. The writing is clear and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand and implement.

Coaching for Performance is an essential read for anyone involved in coaching, leadership, or talent management. Its timeless principles, coupled with contemporary updates, make it a valuable resource for driving performance and fostering a positive organizational culture. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your coaching journey, this book offers invaluable insights and tools to help you succeed.

I was given an ARC of Coaching for Performance, 6th edition. This is a reworked version of the global success book originally written back in 1992. It has been carefully extended and improved by Tiffany Gaskell following John Whitmore's passing.

It is still the go to source for all things coaching - be it for leaders wanting to apply a coaching leadership style, or for coaches helping leaders to successfully motivate and elevate their businesses.

As Whitmore put it: "Coaching unlocks a person’s potential to maximize their performance, helping them to learn rather than teaching them."

Coaching focuses on future possibilities, not past mistakes.

Highly recommended.

GROW model of coaching is explained in detail in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to coach or be coached to learn about a thoughtful framework.

I have used previous editions of this book in my work as a management skills trainer and coach.(I worked in the same organisation as the publisher over twenty five years ago).It is the ‘go-to’ book on coaching. While it could be read cover to cover, I found that after the initial read through it was a very useful book to dip into when a coaching session was scheduled. This edition has subtle updates due to the after effects of the pandemic. The world of work has changed and coaching methods need to evolve to stay pertinent. This ARC did not have any illustrations, models or tables ( referred to in the text) but I am sure they are in the finished edition. Whether you are a new coach or a more experienced one, I would thoroughly recommend that this book is on your bookshelf! Thank you to NetGalley and Nicholas BrealeyUS publishing for the ARC.

Clear, accessible, practical, and insightful. This is a great resource for coaches, aspiring coaches, and anyone interested in learning more about (leadership/executive/workplace) coaching.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

The golden textbook, oft updated to stay current, for new and experienced coaches. You'll learn the basics of coaching - from client intentions and intake to asking questions and staying on track.

This is a must-have for the coach's library. You can upgrade your skills, use it as a reminder to stay sharp, and review your job. If you're a potential client, you'll know what to expect - and maybe understand how to assess your coach's proficiency.

Wow what fantastic information for leaders. leaders as coaches - a great model, examples and lots of tips for how to implement the model with teams. A resource I will keep going back to. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.