8 Books Every Coach Should Read: Our First Edition
The craft of coaching
Co-Active Coaching
A foundational text in the coaching profession, and for good reason. It lays out a relationship-centered model of coaching built on deep listening, curiosity, and the belief that the client is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. Why we recommend it: it's one of the clearest articulations of what coaching actually is, and isn't.
The Coaching Habit
A practical, refreshingly concise book built around seven essential questions. It's especially useful for leaders and managers who want to coach more and advise less, which makes it a perfect companion for anyone learning to resist the "fix-it" reflex. Why we recommend it: it turns coaching into simple, repeatable habits you can use tomorrow.
The Inner Game of Tennis
Not a coaching book on its face, but widely regarded as one of the intellectual roots of modern coaching. Gallwey's insight, that our biggest obstacles are internal, and that a good guide helps us get out of our own way, is the seed of the entire coaching approach. Why we recommend it: it reveals the mindset beneath every coaching conversation.
Presence, listening, and the coaching mindset
Time to Think
A beautiful exploration of how much better people think when someone truly listens. Kline's work on creating a "thinking environment" speaks directly to the ICF competency of presence and the art of holding space. Why we recommend it: it will change how you listen, in coaching and in life.
Dare to Lead
On courage, vulnerability, and trust in leadership. For coaches, it's a masterclass in the human dynamics you'll navigate with every client: fear, shame, and the courage it takes to grow. Why we recommend it: it deepens your understanding of what clients are really wrestling with beneath the surface.
Mindset
The classic work on fixed versus growth mindset. Understanding how beliefs about ability shape behavior is essential for any coach helping a client move from "I can't" to "I can learn." Why we recommend it: growth mindset is, in many ways, the psychological foundation of coaching itself.
The business of coaching
Building Your Ideal Private Practice
Written for helping professionals building a practice, it offers grounded, practical guidance on attracting clients and creating a sustainable business, the part of coaching that training often covers least. Why we recommend it: becoming a great coach and building a viable practice are two different skills; this helps with the second.
Start with Why
A book about purpose and how it drives everything from leadership to marketing. For a coach building a practice, clarifying your own "why", the reason you coach, is the foundation of an authentic brand and a message that resonates. Why we recommend it: your clarity of purpose is what will attract the right clients to you.
Keep learning with us
Reading is one way to grow as a coach. Doing the work, live, with feedback and a community, is another. If you're inspired to take the next step, our guides on becoming a certified coach and choosing the right training program are a great place to start.
This is our first edition, which means there will be more. We'll continue sharing the books, tools, and ideas that shape great coaching. Happy reading.
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