17 Best Life Coaching Books to Read

Life coaching books play a great part in supporting you when you are on your path of learning as a life coach or want to become a good leader. The life coaching books you choose for yourself will hold your hand every time you have to get through a steep learning curve on your journey so choose your book-companions smartly.

Life coaching books, or simply coaching books, are pieces of non-fiction work that contain guidance on various topics. These books guide aspiring coaches and leaders-to-be about best practices of their field. They teach leaders and coaches how to ask practical questions, how to give constructive feedback to their coachees and employees, and how to keep them motivated. Life coaching books will not only help you to find out the best practices to guide your employees and coaching clients, they will also tell you some great ways to transform yourself into a great person, coach and leader.

The criteria for choosing the best books on coaching are essential to know after you’ve understood what a life coaching book is, so that you are able to select the right coaching books for yourself. When choosing a life coaching book, you need to assess it on the basis of practicality, relevance to your field and to the world that surrounds you, practices and strategies to improve your craft, and the innovative ideas presented in the book.

The same criteria will apply when you compare different coaching books against each other since there is lots of material available out there related to life coaching which makes it hard to choose the best book on life coaching for you.

Compiled in this article is a list of 17 best life coaching books for you to read and get some insight from. The books are given below.

The Coaching Habit (Best Overall)
Coach the Person, Not the Problem
The Portable Coach
The Discomfort Zone
Effective Group Coaching
Effective Coaching (Third Edition)
The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching
The Life Coaching Handbook
Co-Active Coaching (Fourth Edition)
Coaching for Performance (Fifth Edition)
The Coaching Effect
Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions
Behind the Scenes
Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go
Identity Leadership
10 Steps to Successful Mentoring
The Secrets of Facilitation

1. The Coaching Habit (Best Overall)

The Coaching Habit is a powerful book that describes how to become a great leader by asking more questions and giving less advice as a manager. Written by Michael Bungay Stanier, this book liberates leaders from the burden of having all the answers and solutions to every difficult situation. Instead, it describes how managers can support and assist their team through questions that helps the team reach their own conclusions.

The main objective of The Coaching Habit is to teach leaders about how to empower their team and improve their employees’ long-term performance. One way to do that is by posing the right questions and good leaders are those who not only know what to ask, but how to ask it. Another objective of this book is to educate managers about how to identify the wants and needs of each of their employees and how to create such a work environment where these wants and needs are respected and addressed in a fulfilling way.

The Coaching Habit speaks to managers and leaders. Therefore, it is the best book for those leaders who want to grow and develop into better leaders. The book tells the managers to change their leadership style and make it more coach-like. It suggests they develop key coaching skills; such as listening, validating, and empowering others, if they want to become better leaders. The Coaching Habit advises managers to make these coaching skills a regular and informal part of their personalities while they deal with their team members on a day-to-day basis.

The number of pages in The Coaching Habit is 244, which means it’s not that bulky but is still packed with a lot of valuable information. The language of the book is English and it was published by Page two publishers. The ISBN for the book The Coaching Habit is 9780978440749 while the recommended reading age for the book is 18 years and up.

Some of the reviews for The Coaching Habit are given below.

A fresh innovative take on the traditional how-to manual, the book combines insider information with research based on neuroscience and behavioral economics, together with interactive training tools to turn practical advice into practiced habits. Witty and conversational, The Coaching Habit takes your work–and your workplace–from good to great. (Amazon)
Some great reminders in a quick and easy-to-read format. This signed book has been on my shelf since I attended a conference that the author was speaking at. I am not sure why I waited so long to read it! (Susan G, Goodreads)
Practical, short, to-the-point, and hopefully quite useful. (George Tuoros, Goodreads)
This book is proper for both coaches and managers using coaching skills. It’s about key questions that could be used during our conversations and I can say by my experience of using them, they are spectacular when used properly. (Abolfazl Kakaey, Goodreads)

The price of The Coaching Habit on Kindle is $7.99, while the paperback edition is available for $12.99 on Amazon.

2. Coach the Person, Not the Problem

Coach the Person, Not the Problem, is a book that recommends leaders and coaches use reflective inquiry to improve their coaching instead of relying on open-ended questions. An inquiry is not just a series of questions, but these are the meaningful queries that you pose when you listen intently. Inquiry provokes insight and acts as a mirror with the help of which people reflect on their own thought processes and analyze their beliefs.

Coach the Person, Not the Problem is written by Marcia Reynolds, who is not only a Ph.D. holder, and certified coach, but is the president of Covisioning as well which is a training and coaching firm.

The objective of the book, Coach the Person, Not the Problem is to help coaches and leaders to become more effective with the help of reflective inquiry. The reflective inquiry includes statements that help coachees feel heard and understood. It acts as a replay too, with the help of which the people being coached explore their critical thinking. They are able to see what perspectives and behaviors are holding them back and how to deal with those limiting perspectives and behaviors.

Coach the Person, not the Problem is a book good for leaders but it is best for coaches. Coaches tend to show their coaching skills by asking magical questions and during the coaching session, all coaches think about is their next question, rather than actively listening to and responding to what their coachee is saying. This book liberates coaches from the pressure of asking questions and asks them to focus on reflective inquiry more.

Coach the Person, not the Problem comprises 192 pages. The language of the book is English and it was published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers on June 2, 2020. The ISBN of the book is 1523087838 and the recommended reading age for the book is 18 years or more.

Some of the reviews for the book, Coach the Person, not the Problem are given below.

From a founding member of the coaching movement comes a detailed guide to mastering one of a coach’s toughest skills: thoughtfully reflecting clients’ words and expressions back to them so they see themselves and their world through new eyes. (Amazon)
I love the approach described in this book. The author is truly a master coach. The book is engaging with lots of real cases, examples, and tips. Would highly recommend it. (Diane Law, Goodreads)
An excellent primer for those who would like to get into coaching. Additionally, it has many pointers for all of us to improve our listening skills through reflective inquiry. This book is for anyone who works in teams, has subordinates, or is just looking to grow—easy read, worth your time. (Jim, Goodreads)

The price for the book Coach the Person, not the Problem is $12.99 on Kindle, while the paperback edition is available for $26.55 on Amazon.

3. The Portable Coach

The Portable Coach is a book that outlines 28 principles to live by if you want to have a successful life personally and career-wise. The book is full of questionnaires, exercises, and self-help techniques which enable you to define and confront your challenges and stimulate you to find a dynamic solution to your problems. This way, The Portable Coach makes you more action-oriented and has a transformational impact on the reader.

The Portable Coach is written by Thomas J. Leonard who is known as the father of personal coaching and is the founder of Coach University, which is a virtual training institute that has so far trained thousands of personal coaches in thirty countries.

The objectives of the book The Portable Coach, are to help people figure out their goals in life, to teach them methods and techniques which enable them to attract success and happiness and to teach them a new, lively way of living their life with the help of which they’ll be remaking the world on their own terms.

Thomas J. Leonard, the author of the book The Portable Coach, is named the father of personal coaching. Therefore, this book is best for common people as well as coaches and leaders, and anyone who wants to transform their life, achieve their goals, and attain satisfaction and fulfillment.

The Portable Coach consists of 336 pages and the language of the book is English. It was published by Simon & Schuster publishers on Aug 06, 1998. The ISBN of the book is 0684850419 and there is no particular reading age that is recommended for the book.

Some of the reviews for The Portable Coach are given below.

I really felt this book was a breath of fresh air…….very well written…….easy to apply to everyday life. This is definitely a keeper. I actually found this book to be more enlightening than most of the “big ” name authors of self-help books that have been on all the best-seller lists for years. (Ginger Cockerham, Amazon)
Super concise, needed to listen the whole way through with pen and paper to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The OG of coaching. worth it. (Lindsey Mao, Goodreads)
I read this book when it was first released years ago, and my revisit was just as powerful. Highly recommend it. (Honoree, Goodreads)

The Kindle edition of the book The Portable Coach is worth £8.99 while the paperback edition is available for £12.99 on Amazon.

4. The Discomfort Zone

The Discomfort Zone is based on a very unique idea; triggering negative emotions to get positive results. This book encourages people to confront their negative feelings, such as anger or fear and teaches them the ways with the help of which they can use those negative emotions to explore new dimensions and perspectives which ultimately lead them to find new solutions to their old problems.
The Discomfort Zone is written by Farrah Storr, who is an award-winning editor and author of and the first Head of Writer Partnerships at newsletter platform Substack UK, spearheading the recruitment of new UK writers.

The objective of the book, The Discomfort Zone, is to teach readers how much people will be able to transform their lives if they accept brief moments of discomfort and confront their negative emotions. The book provides the readers with several great techniques that enable them to deal with their fears and convert them into bite-sized manageable pieces that can easily be overcome.

From athletes to entrepreneurs to common people, The Discomfort Zone is for anyone who wants to improve and develop themselves to their full potential. If you are a person who wants to harness their fears to drive success, this book is written for you.

The Discomfort Zone comprises 240 pages, and the language of the book is English. It was published by Piatkus Books publishers on September 27, 2018. The ISBN of the book is 0349415358 and the recommended reading age for the book is any.

Some of the reviews for The Discomfort Zone are given below.

An excellent book. (Viv Groskop, The Pool)
Farrah makes you feel very comfortable with being uncomfortable – something you probably didn’t know you needed to be until reading this book. (Emma Barnett)
Farrah has written a book about the things no one wants to talk about failure, discomfort, and how to deal with both. When are we pushing ourselves to greatness vs. pushing ourselves to do too much? Farrah answers these questions and poses new ones, with humor and grace. (Sophia Amoruso, author of #Girlboss)

The Kindle edition of the book is available for £3.99 while the paperback edition is available for £0.28 on Amazon.

5. Effective Group Coaching

Effective Group Coaching is a book that contains how-tos, checklists, and lots of valuable information including enlightening real-life experiences, about the understanding, usage, and effectiveness of group coaching. The information is collected from some of the top coaches in North America. Effective Group Coaching is a volume that provides practical knowledge to the leaders, coaches, and trainers who want to include group coaching as their primary coaching methodology.

The author of Effective Group Coaching is Jennifer J. Britton, who has authored five more publications. Her main area of expertise is group and team coaching. Jennifer is an award-winning coaching program designer, and her work has received prestigious accolades such as the Award of Excellence – Curriculum Design from i4pL, and the Prism Award for Excellence in Coaching, for coaching skills training in the healthcare sector.

The objective of Effective Group Coaching is to educate coaches and trainers about the methodologies and tools used in group coaching. It is more like a reference guide that answers key questions about group coaching like what is group coaching and for what type of coachees it is right? What are the best practices of group coaching and how to incorporate them in your sessions? and many more.

Effective Group Coaching is a guide for trainers, mentors, and facilitators; therefore, it is best for those coaches who want to expand their horizons and deepen their knowledge and experience by mastering group coaching. It is also a great book for those HR professionals who, with the help of group coaching methods, promote a positive learning environment in the workplace.

The book Effective Group Coaching consists of 304 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Jossey-Bass Publishers on December 22, 2009. The ISBN number of the book is 0470738545 while the recommended reading age is not mentioned.

Some of the reviews of Effective Group Coaching are given below.

A great mix of practical tips, substantive content, resources, and thought-provoking questions. While this seems primarily addressed to coaches just embarking on group coaching, there are useful tools and templates for the more seasoned group coach looking to take their practice to the next level. (Kathleen, Amazon)
Jennifer Britton is one of my favorite writers on the subject of group coaching. She is clear, current, and her ideas can be implemented into your coaching practice. (Mark Jones, Goodreads)
This was a very helpful practical book that made group coaching a lot less intimidating. Would recommend this book as a how-to and great guide to help you become a successful group leader. (Kimberly Talmey)

The Kindle edition of Effective Group Coaching is available for $52 while the hardcover edition will cost you $46.88 if you buy via Amazon.

6. Effective Coaching (Third Edition)

Effective Coaching is a book that explores the mechanics of one-on-one coaching. The coachees are named as “players” in this book and it has been explained in detail what are the techniques that enable a coach to create such an environment and connection with the player that can help them to reach their full potential. The approach that is followed in Effective Coaching is non-directive coaching in which the coach follows the interest of the player. The coach helps coachees to explore their issues themselves and supports them in finding the solution on their own.

Effective Coaching is written by Myles Downey who is known as one of the foremost coaches in Europe. He has worked with some of the best coaching organizations in different parts of the world, including in North and South America, across Europe, and in the former Soviet Union. Myles has worked with a variety of businesses; such as oil, gas, and manufacturing. He is the director of studies at The School of Coaching as well which he established in the UK.

The objective of the book, Effective Coaching, is to teach coaches how to improve at the art of coaching by handing over the control to the coachee, or the player as the author calls them in the book. It teaches coaches the methods and techniques with the help of which coaches learn to give the responsibility of understanding the problem and finding the solution to the person being coached. As a result, the coach acts not as a teacher or problem solver, but simply as a facilitator who helps the coachees to develop and find their own way, without having to depend on someone else.

Effective Coaching is best for leadership and executive coaches who want to excel at what they do, and also for business owners who are looking for ways to transform their work environment to make their team more productive. Although most of the techniques provided in the book are related to individual and one-to-one coaching, some of the chapters offer insight into team coaching as well.

Effective Coaching comprises 240 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Cengage Learning publishers on October 16, 2003. The IBN number of the book is 1587991721 while there is no recommended reading age given.

Some of the reviews for Effective Coaching (3^rd Edition) are given below.

Miles Downey’s book was quite an eye-opener for me. As a business coach/mentor desiring a continual education, each page included a great deal of practical advice, including realistic role-playing. I continually refer to this book. (Dag Nybo, Amazon)
I loved this book. Myles Downey is an inspirational and incredibly insightful coach. As a fellow coach, I found the ‘inner game’ extremely useful in my own field of coaching. I’ve been busy recommending it to all fellow coaches as a good read from a coach who really knows his stuff! (Donna D, Amazon)
One of the best books I’ve read on coaching. It changed the game for me. (Blaze K, Goodreads)

The paperback edition of the book Effective Coaching (3^rd Edition) is available for $8.23 on Amazon.

7. The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching

The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching aims to clear out the confusion people have about coaching and emphasizes that coaching is much more than a conversation you have with friends to discuss your issues. Coaching helps people being coached to get over the things that are holding them back and supports them to make full of their strengths. The book also focuses on the importance of going with the process for coaches instead of following a rigid agenda during coaching sessions. And for this purpose, the book suggests that during the coaching sessions, the coach should listen intently and ask thought-provoking questions; so that they are able to understand the situation and help their client find the solution.

The book, The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching, is written by Marion Franklin who is a Master Certified Coach. Currently, she serves as a supervisory coach and examiner for developing coaches in an executive coaching program. She has been interviewed on TV for her coaching expertise, coached executives at various corporations, presented at numerous coaching conferences and events, and has been cited in The Journal News and The Wall Street Journal.

The objective of The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching is to teach coaches and make them understand the useful approaches they must be used to help their clients understand their issues and make positive changes in their priorities to deal with those issues. The book also explains to the coaches the importance of listening and how listening intently will enable them to unpack their client’s problems on a deeper level.

The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching is a book written for both coaches and those who want to be coached to deal with their problems. It explains to the coachees how to change their circumstances in order to create their own support environment and it educates coaches about the techniques which can make their coaching more effective; such as staying objective yet engaged throughout the coaching sessions and addressing the root of the problem.

The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching consists of 294 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Thomas Noble Books on September 25, 2015. The ISBN of the book is 1945586222 and there is no particular reading age that is deemed suitable to read the book.

Some of the reviews of The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching are given below.

Marion has given a gift to the profession of executive coaching with this phenomenal book. Whether you are just starting in the profession or a master-level coach, it’s a must-read. I’ve read many coaching guides, how-to’s, etc., and Marion’s book is my number 1 recommendation. (VFoley, Amazon)
If you want to learn how to coach masterfully, this is the book that will help you discern the difference between being a good coach and being a transformational coach! (Juliann Wiese, Amazon)
Approachable and accessible, Marion Franklin gives useful suggestions and insights into Laser-Focused Coaching. With great tools and examples, this book gives usable techniques to enhance the coaching experience for your client (and your skills as a coach). A great reference book I’ll be reading again. Recommended! (Louise, Goodreads)

The paperback edition of the book The HeART of Laser-Focused Coaching is available for $19.95 on Amazon.

8. The Life Coaching Handbook

The Life Coaching Handbook is a complete guide about life coaching and its different methods with the help of which you learn about coaching yourself and others. It teaches life-coaching practitioners about creating a sustainable and successful coaching practice. By reading this book, you’ll be able to decide whether or not life coaching is the career you want to pursue and once you have decided, this book will take you through various coaching techniques and exercises with the help of which you will be able to transform yourself into a phenomenal life coach.

The author of the international best seller, The Life Coaching Handbook, is Curly Martin who is one of the pioneers of life coaching in Europe. She has also written ‘The Business Coaching Handbook’ and ‘The Personal Success Handbook’, which complete the series. She has authored and co-authored almost 30 books on coaching and is a fellow of The International Institute of Coaching.

The objective of The Life Coaching Handbook is to develop a deep understanding of what life-coaching is, how one can become an inspiring life coach, and how to set up a successful life-coaching practice.

The Life Coaching Handbook is a must for aspiring life coaches. It is also a comprehensive guide for those who are interested in improving themselves through applying life coaching techniques. It is one of the best books for those coaches, especially those who are just starting out and do not know much about what a sustainable and successful coaching practice looks like.

The Life Coaching Handbook comprises 330 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Crown House Publishers on March 01, 2002. The ISBN of the book is 1899836713 while there is no particular age that is recommended in order to read the book.

Some of the reviews of The Life Coaching Handbook are given below.

This is the first book on life coaching I read that described how to work with clients by applying Spiral Dynamics. I was inspired and motivated. Thank you, Curly. (Robert Doc Barham, Amazon)
Great as part of the coach training with a lot of helpful methods, procedures, questions, and examples.
A great read also to anyone wanting to improve their relationships or realigning their focus. (Natassa Tovornik, Goodreads)

The Kindle edition of The Life Coaching Handbook is available for $17.49 while the paperback edition can be purchased off Amazon for $22.49. There is an audio CD available for the book as well, the cost of which is $32.66.

9. Co-Active Coaching (Fourth Edition)

Co-active Coaching is a book that describes a unique and extremely effective coaching model in which both the coach and the person being coached actively participate in the tasks that are required to be done in order to fulfill the coachee’s needs. Coaches actively engage in listening and facilitating, while the client engages in identifying their weaknesses and strengths and doing the things that are necessary to achieve the goals the coach and the client have agreed to pursue. This model is named the “coaching power triangle”, which consists of the coach, the client, and the collaborative relationship between them.

There is not one, but four authors who collaborated in and wrote the fourth edition of Co-Active Coaching. There are husband and wife Henry Kimsey-House and Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth. Each of them is a well-known name in the world of coaching with each contributing a great deal in the coaching field. Henry Kimsey-House is the cofounder and lead designer of experiential learning programs of The Coaches Training Institute, while his wife Karen Kimsey-House is the cofounder and CEO of The Coaches Training Institute and the co-creator of the co-active model. Philip Sandal is the pioneer of team coaching and Laura Whitworth is recognized all over the world for her pioneering coaching practice.

The key objective of the book, Co-Active Coaching, is to promote a relationship between coach and coachee that revolves around and is strengthened by active listening, intuition, curiosity and deep collaboration to meet the needs and accomplish the goals of the client. For this purpose, there are several techniques suggested in the book for both the coach and the person being coached; such as focusing on the whole person, not just on the problematic part, being fully present with the client during the coaching sessions, etc.

Co-Active Coaching is a book best for any and every type of coach who wants to improve their craft and become the best possible version of themselves as a coach. In this book, the authors have outlined the cornerstones of collaborative coaching, thus as a coach, it enables you to create a successful coach-client relationship.

Co-Active Coaching comprises 228 pages and the language of the book is English. It was published by Nicholas Brealey Publishers on June 10, 2018. The ISBN of the book is 9781473674981 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews for the book, Co-Active Coaching, are given below.

The bible of coaching guides … No other book gives you the tools, the skills, and the fundamentals needed to succeed in these delicate relationships. (Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
This book is a classic. It has basic coaching concepts and is probably a staple in every certified coach’s library. It is a functional read rather than a fun one. (Nancy, Amazon)
A well-structured book that provides a good entry into the world of coaching from both coach and coach’s perspective. Enjoyable reading for all. (Aileen O’Callaghan, Amazon)

The Kindle edition of Co-Active Coaching costs $19.99 while the paperback edition is worth $23.99 on Amazon.

10. Coaching for Performance (Fifth Edition)

Coaching for Performance is an international bestseller that focuses on how and why helping people to bring out the best in themselves is the goal of coaching. The book features the highly popular GROW model of coaching which stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. The first edition of the book, which was published in 1992, is regarded as the founding text of the coaching industry.

Sir John Whitmore is the author of Coaching for Performance. He is known as the pioneer of coaching in the workplace and is the co-founder of Performance Consultants International, which is the market leader in coaching globally. He was the first one to introduce the concept of coaching in the workplace in 1980 and is the creator of GROW, the most used coaching model in the world.

The objective of Coaching for Performance is to raise awareness about the purpose of coaching and help the coaches to improve their performance with the GROW model. Another objective of the book is to guide coaches about transformational coaching, which is a powerful tool to transform the performance of the individual as well as the organization.

Coaching for Performance is a wonderful guide that is best for aspiring coaches, struggling coaches, coaches who want to constantly grow and improve their performance, and common people as well as leaders who want to coach themselves and bring a positive change in their workplace environment.

The book Coaching for Performance is 289 pages and the language of the book is English. The fifth edition of the book was published by Nicholas Brealey on October 24, 2017. The ISBN number of the book is 1473658128 and there is no particular recommended age for reading the book.

Some of the reviews of Coaching for Performance are given below.

Coaching for Performance is a proven resource for all coaches and pioneers of the future of coaching. (Magdalena N. Mook, CEO, International Coach Federation)
Shines a light on what it takes to create high performance. (John McFarlane, Chairman, Barclays, Chairman, TheCityUK)
I read this as a “jumping off” point in my introduction to coaching and as preparation before starting my own coaching practice. Full of insights and actionable steps it is a must-read for the aspiring coach. (Tim Ouellette, multi-genre author of horror and general fiction)

Coaching for Performance is available for $13.99 on Kindle while the paperback edition of the book costs $16.69 on Amazon. There is an audio CD available for the book as well which is worth $39.43.

11. The Coaching Effect

The Coaching Effect is a book that redefines the meaning of coaching and explains how coaching, which was once considered a soft skill that could not be measured, is now considered a hard skill. It can now be measured by measuring the performance of the person being coached. The book describes the importance of challenging people out of their comfort zone to make them grow and perform better in an organization. It teaches leaders different techniques to measure the performance of their team and improve it with the help of various coaching methods.

The Coaching Effect is written by Bill Eckstrom and Sarah Wirth. Among the two, Bill is a well-known and influential executive and entrepreneur. His primary area of passion is to observe and measure how coaches and leaders influence the performance of their team at the workplace. While Sarah Wirth has twenty years of experience in the area of employee assessment, training and coaching.

The objective of the book, The Coaching Effect, is to redefine the purpose of coaching. Growth is given ultimate value in the book as the desired outcome of the coaching process and it has been stated that high-growth coaches do not hesitate to push their clients into uncomfortable situations since they know growth can only occur when there is at least a little discomfort.

The Coaching Effect is for professional coaches, as well as for leaders and managers who want to make their team grow and perform at a high level. The book is useful for parents, teachers, and leaders in settings other than corporate ones as well.

The Coaching Effect consists of 200 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Greenleaf Book Group Press on April 02, 2019. The ISBN number of the book is 1626346097 and there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews of The Coaching Effect are given below.

A really good reference for starting in the coaching business. If you aren’t sure that a career in coaching is for you this will clear up any questions you may have. (Roy Gilbert, Amazon)
The entire book is gold as the authors not only share strategies but they share specific examples from companies they have worked with. I found the chapter on meetings to be especially beneficial as they not only point out the issue but they provide solutions. Well worth reading… It has a return on investment written all over it regardless of the organization you might be in. (Mark Hunter, Amazon)
Only a few pages in and I love it. The “Growth Ring” mindset, something that not only appeared on the viral Ted Talk but also a chapter of this book is a mindset and layout that each and every person should have the opportunity to learn about and apply in life. Can’t wait to read more! (Alexander, Goodreads)

The Coaching Effect is available for $9.99 on Kindle while the hardcover edition is available for $19.89 on Amazon.

12. Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions

Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions is a bestselling book that explains the art of becoming a better sales manager and executive. The book states that it’s time sales managers stop worrying too much about sales if they want their team to grow and their company to succeed. Good sales managers are not those who are best at closing deals, but the ones who know how to coach their team in a way that the employees are eager to become the best versions of themselves.

Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions is written by Keith Rosen who has authored several other bestsellers as well. Founder and CEO of Profit Builders which was named one of the best coaching companies worldwide for five consecutive years, Keith is considered a leader in the coaching field and the pioneer of management coach training. He has several other accolades on his credit.

The purpose of the book, Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions, is to teach sales managers how, with the help of coaching, they will be able to boost the productivity of their team which ultimately will result in an increase in sales. Another objective of the book is to explain to leaders how they can collaborate with their teams more powerfully and emerge as world-class leaders.

Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions is a book essentially written for leaders and sales managers. It teaches them how creating a coaching culture in their company will enable them to turn their team into a group of top producers who are highly skilled and motivated.

Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions comprises 352 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Wiley Publishers on March 14, 2008. The ISBN of the book is 0470142510 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews of the book, Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions, are given below.

There is no other single activity to boost sales that works better than sales coaching and Keith’s book, Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions, is the best ever written on how to do it well. (Brian Tracy, Author, Getting Rich Your Own Way)
Few management books are specific to salespeople and those of us who work with salespeople understand they’re a different breed. Keith Rosen’s book is a great one to study and apply or pick up here and there when you have a special need. His coaching ideas are clearly explained and easily executed. (Tom Hopkins, author of How to Master the Art of Selling)
This is a book that will truly take entire sales organizations to the next level. Keith is spot on, and his approach to accountability in the coaching process is what so many salespeople and sales managers are missing. (Tom Ziglar, CEO, Ziglar, Inc.)

The Kindle edition of Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions is available for $18.00 while the hardcover edition will cost you $29.95. There is an audio CD available for the book as well which you can buy for $25.00.

13. Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes is a compilation of the best advice from a wide array of coaching experts. It is a book you can turn to for advice at any time in your career and you’ll never be disappointed. There is page after page of actionable suggestions which not only is useful but makes the book an interesting read.

The foreword of Behind the Scenes: Secrets from the Top Coaches, Experts, and Consultants, is written by Kim Walsh Phillips while multiple authors have contributed by adding their essays in the book. Some of the contributing writers include Angel France Dugas, Barbara Harrington, Cathy Frost, Cheryl Schindler, Denise Fay, Diana Asaad, and Lola White.

The objective of the book Behind the Scenes is to pick the brains of experts from different fields and present it in the form of a book so that the readers can learn the strategies that can be used over and over to grow the business and boost sales.

The book Behind the Scenes is for anyone who wants to improve their business strategies and increase productivity by learning from experts.

Behind the Scenes: Secrets from the Top Coaches, Experts, and Consultants consists of 237 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Year of the Book Press on October 30, 2019. The ISBN of the book is 1646490258 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews of the book, Behind the Scenes, are given below.

This is a very inspirational read. I’ve picked up so many hints and tips that will help me kick-start a business idea. It’s made me realize how much experience I’ve already got – and how I could share it and make it pay. (Karen Harper, Amazon)
I figured this book would be good. The title was very intriguing, and the list of authors was impressive. I was pleasantly surprised by just how good it was, though! My experience was that each chapter was the best of the best for that author. I ended up feeling newly inspired and had a list of action steps I could take immediately to increase my own success as a coach. I highly recommend this book to coaches, aspiring coaches, and anyone interested in their own personal development. (Liesa Harty, Amazon)
This book is filled with knowledge and wisdom from a diverse group of experts in their fields of business. Tami Santini in Destined to Travel shares her wisdom about the power of saying “no” but also how to succeed in business and life. She breaks down how to deal with roadblocks, adversity, dealing with a healthy mindset, being disciplined, breaking down goals to make them achievable and so much more! This book is packed with ideas to launch strategies to succeed in your business! (Lorilee Russell, Amazon)

The Kindle edition of Behind the Scenes is $9.95 while the paperback edition is available for $16.95 on Amazon.

14. Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go

Help Them Grow or Watch them Go is a book that guides the managers and team leaders about helping their employees and team-members in their career development goals. The authors acknowledge that investing time in meetings with their employees is back-breaking, since the managers usually do not have time for this kind of engagements. Therefore, they have identified and explained three different types of conversations that team leaders can have with their team members that will increase their employees’ awareness of their strengths and weaknesses and help them grow.

The international bestseller, Help Them Grow or Watch them Go, is written by two authors namely Julie Winkle Giulioni and Dr. Beverly Kaye. Among the two, Julie has been named as one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine and is a champion for workplace growth and development. Dr. Beverly has authored several other books as well and is considered one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the areas of workplace training and career development.

The main objective of the book, Help Them Grow or Watch them Go, is to help managers and leaders learn the methods and techniques with the help of which they can help their team in their career development without investing a lot of time. For this purpose, the book is filled with practical suggestions, templates and almost a hundred questions that can help managers initiate a meaningful conversation with their employees.

Help Them Grow or Watch them Go is a book written for leaders and managers to help them to transform the work environment of their organization with the help of simply a meaningful and focused conversation.

The book, Help Them Grow or Watch them Go, is 144 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers on September 17, 2012. The ISBN of the book is 1609946324 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews of the book, Help Them Grow or Watch them Go, are given below.

This pragmatic book is chock-full of easy-to-follow steps on how to have critical career conversations, conversations that are uncomfortable for many managers and too often are avoided. I love that Kaye and Giulioni demystify the process and motivate us ‘to talk individual development’ with our employees. Our employees will love it too! (Patricia Crull, Group Vice President and Chief Learning Officer, Time Warner Cable)
Every manager will find this short book to be long on practical ways to make career development happen. (Jack Zenger, CEO, Zenger Folkman, and coauthor of the bestselling The Extraordinary Leader and The Extraordinary Coach)
Life and business are all about where you pay attention. Pay attention to the growth of your people, and they will grow your business. The authors do a great job in spelling out the how-tos! (Chip Conley, founder, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and author of Emotional Equations)

The price of the Kindle edition of the book, Help Them Grow or Watch them Go, is $7.69 while the paperback edition is available for $6.66. There is a mass market paperback edition available on Amazon as well which costs $39.40.

15. Identity Leadership

Identity Leadership is a New York Times bestseller that explains to readers how the journey of being an effective leader starts with leading oneself. The book describes that it is extremely important for leaders to know their passions and the ways with which they are able to channel the best of them to achieve success. The author uses anecdotes from their life in the book and examines the role self-awareness plays in the journey of becoming a better leader.

Identity Leadership is written by Stedman Graham, who has authored eleven other books, including two New York Times Best Sellers. His primary field of work and passion is teaching the value and process of identity leadership.

The objective of Identity Leadership is to enable self-leaders to build a roadmap with the help of which they continually plan and execute learning and development of their skills. Another objective of the book is to help leaders commit to a personal vision and lead with the purpose of personal growth and improving performance in every walk of their life.

Identity Leadership is a book written for anyone who is committed to personal development, self-improvement and wants to grow into a better leader. It is for those coaches as well who are looking for ways to improve themselves while they help their clients in their journey. It is an effective book for all the people who want to achieve success by transforming themselves into a better individual.

The book, Identity Leadership, consists of 272 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Center Street publishers on May 07, 2019. The ISBN of the book is 1546083375 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews for the book, Identity Leadership, are given below.

Stedman Graham teaches the essence of leadership in his workshops. Leadership is not about product, but people and relationships. Stedman takes [people] to the next level in their careers by helping them to understand what is truly important to them. So many people operate without an idea as to where they are going. His programs put the individual in control of his or her career and life. (Jim Cimino, Executive Vice President, Regional Managing Director, Southwest Region – Wells Fargo)
SG is one of today’s leading authorities on emotional intelligence (Identity Intelligence). Seminars are highly effective because they make you focus on the true leader within yourself. (David M. Reynolds, CMF, VP, Associate Director, Merrill Lynch)
Stedman is an artist with unique communication skills that so effectively helped reach these individuals on levels that possibly they have never previously experienced, and I believe that the candor, openness of communication, “tough talk,” and practical discussion on their skill development will lead to remarkable maturation and an appreciation of greater personal accountability and for their personal development. (Mike Fox, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center)

The Kindle edition of the book Identity Leadership is worth $13.99, while the hardcover edition is available for $24.25 on Amazon.

16. 10 Steps to Successful Mentoring

10 Steps to Successful Mentoring is a book that will introduce you to some transformational and extremely effective ways of mentoring with the help of which you will be able to change people’s perspectives and sustain their momentum of development. Some of those ways include using the power of questions, expanding growth and leveraging everyday psychology. Most mentoring resources found in the market are focused on the growth of mentee, while 10 Steps to Successful Mentoring is exclusively focused on helping mentors to excel in their role.

10 Steps to Successful Mentoring is written by Wendy Axelrod, a PhD with vast experience in the field of mentoring. She is a speaker and a workshop facilitator who has supported thousands of people through workshops, conferences, and by coaching and mentoring.

The objective of the book, 10 Steps to Successful Mentoring, is to help mentors become better mentors by telling them ways which enable them to yield substantial reward for themselves and their mentees. Another objective of the book is to help mentors to become the best possible versions of themselves so that they leave a legacy for their mentors that lasts.

The book, 10 Steps to Successful Mentoring, is for the mentors who find that mentoring is their calling. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced mentor, you will find yourself turning to this book again and again for advice. The book is best for those people as well whose mentoring is a part of profession; such as teachers and psychologists.

10 Steps to Successful Mentoring consists of 224 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by the Association for Talent Development on June 25, 2019. The ISBN number of the book is 1949036480 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews of the book, 10 Steps to Successful Mentoring, are given below.

Wendy presents a learning approach which is grounded in psychology as well as common sense of being respectful and caring to the Mentee. She sees mentoring as a growth engine for the mentee as well as the mentor. (Andrew, Amazon)
Insightful, practical and comprehensive! All you need to build a mentoring program from the ground up or enhance an existing one. (Erica, Amazon)
This book provides practical, detailed, step by step approaches to mentors at any level whether new or experienced. Wendy’s ability to share both the approach and theory that equips all of us for successful mentoring. Loved it! Will share the book with colleagues. (Christy M, Amazon)

The Kindle edition of the book is available for $19.80 while the paperback edition costs $20.84 on Amazon.

17. The Secrets of Facilitation

The Secrets of Facilitation is a book that gives a roadmap to design and execute meetings and group sessions that achieve the desired outcome. The book is full of resources, such as checklists, sample dialogues and case studies that provide the necessary strategies for leaders and managers to conduct group sessions which are actionable and impactful. The book explains the root cause of boring and unhinged meetings as well and explicates on how such situations can be tackled effectively.

The Secrets of Facilitation is written by Michael Wilkinson who is considered a leader in the facilitation industry worldwide. A Board member of the National Institute for Facilitation (nifac.org) and founder of the National Facilitator Database (NFDB.com), Michael has been awarded both the Certified Professional Facilitator and the Certified Master Facilitator designations for experience and demonstrated expertise in facilitation.

The objective of the book, The Secrets of Facilitation, is to make leaders aware of the structured facilitation process which enables the leaders and managers to achieve an outcome out of a meeting that is actionable, effective and repeatable. The process is named as S.M.A.R.T by the author which stands for Structured Meeting And Relating Techniques.

The Secrets of Facilitation is a book for leaders and facilitators who want to make their meetings and group sessions more productive. Therefore, if you are someone who wants to make their facilitated sessions more effective, you need to have a look at the step-by-step approach presented in this book with the help of which meeting participants get a result that is meaningful and actionable.

The Secrets of Facilitation is 496 pages and the language of the book is English. The book was published by Jossey-Bass publishers on October 09, 2012. The ISBN of the book is 1118206134 while there is no particular age that is recommended to read the book.

Some of the reviews for the book, The Secrets of Facilitation, are given below.

One of the single most powerful processes is the ability to successfully lead a group to an impactful, actionable outcome. In The Secrets of Facilitation, beginning and experienced facilitators alike will find tools to take their results to the next level. (Jim Canfield, chief learning officer, TEC International)
This book shares ‘The Secrets’ that have been the basis of my facilitation practice for over a decade. (Kerri McBride, past chair, International Association of Facilitators)
In my career, I’ve seen many, many facilitators. Michael Wilkinson is the best. ‘The Secrets’ explains why. (Len Roberts, CEO, RadioShack)

The Kindle edition of the book, The Secrets of Facilitation costs $50.00 while the paperback edition is available for $49.10 on Amazon

What Are the Criteria to Choose the Best Coaching Books?

The criteria to choose the best coaching books include three main requirements. Those requirements are listed below:

Author: The credibility of the author is the first thing that you need to see when choosing the best coaching book for yourself. The author needs to have a significant experience in the field of coaching, hold a certification related to the field, and should be qualified to write the book in every way. A credible author guarantees that the techniques and solutions provided in the book are practical and useful.
Reviews: The reviews of a coaching book assure that the content provided in the book is relevant and the advice given in the book is based on practical experiences and sound principles.
Price: The price of a coaching book is important to consider when you are looking for the best coaching book to buy. Choose a book that has pocket-friendly rates and does not cost too much to buy.

What Is the Best Business Coaching Book?

Michael Bungay Strainer’s The Coaching Habit is considered the best coaching book of all time. The reason why it is considered the best book is that it is a book full of practical and inspiring advice about how leaders and leadership coaches ask powerful questions and have a purposeful conversation, and only with the help of these simple things, how they able to transform their coaching methodology. The book also provides actionable tools that are extremely helpful for leaders, managers, and those who engage in coaching every day.

What Is the Best Executive Coaching Book?

The best executive coaching book of all time is Michael Bungay Strainer’s The Coaching Habit. It is a book that does not have a lot of fluff or theory but is full of great advice that will turn you into an effective leader or executive. The book teaches leaders and managers how to transform their relationships with their employees and use that relationship to empower them and help them grow. With the help of The Coaching habit, both leaders and coaches are able to unearth their employee’s or clients’ true potential by simply asking stimulating questions and by initiating thought-provoking conversations.

What Is the Best Coaching Book for Beginners to Read?

The best coaching book for beginners to read is The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Strainer. The reason for choosing the book is that The Coaching Habit is super practical and by following the advice provided in the book, managers are able to coach in ten minutes or less. The focus of this book is on simplicity and habit formation and the tools provided in the book help managers gain simple coaching skills that can transform their work environment.

What Is a Coaching Book?

Coaching books are classified as nonfiction pieces of work written by experts in the coaching field that provide guidance to leaders as well as aspiring coaches about how to inspire individuals and transform themselves into more productive beings. Coaching books contain different tools and methods to help leaders and coaches, such as different ways of carrying out meaningful conversations with employees, motivating teams, and asking purposeful questions. These books are written to aid leaders and coaches to lead and coach in a more effective manner.

What Is the Purpose of Life Coaching Books?

The purpose of a life coaching book is to provide you guidance in every aspect of your life, whether it’s your business, your relationships, your employment, your health, or anything else. Life coaching books are a lifetime resource to which you are able to turn to and consult, whenever you need without worrying about paying the price of the consultation.

What Are the Benefits of Reading a Life Coaching Book?

Life coaching books are a valuable resource that is extremely helpful not only for life coaches but also for common people who want to learn from experts without spending a lot on it. Some of the benefits of life coaching books are given below.

Reading life coaching books equips you with relatable knowledge and invaluable tools that help to stand out from the crowd.
Life coaching books help you discover new ideas and techniques when you are struggling as a coach.
Reading life coaching books help you improve your focus and hone your life coaching skills.
Life coaching books improve your mental health as well since researchers have found that self-help or coaching books play a big role in reducing depression.

Are Life Coaching Books Worth the Cost?

Yes! Life coaching books are worth the cost. Books are a resource you are able to turn to again and again after you have spent only once on buying them. Your life coaching books will be there to help you whenever you need advice regarding anything; be it your business, your career, or some guidance about self-development.

Alexis Fedor

Founder & CEO

Alexis Fedor

Founder & CEO

Alexis Fedor is an award winning performance artist and writer from New York City. She is the founder of Artists In Business, a company focused on helping artists create online businesses with their art through online courses and group coaching. Alexis is the creator of the renowned Profit Canvas Mentorship, which has helped hundreds of artists create profitable businesses with their art, and the AIB Jumpstart, a membership experience designed to help artists get their businesses prepped for profitability. Alexis lives in New York City among many friends, family, and two cats.