Resources
Below are some of the books, methods and resources I have lately found to be valuable. These recommendations are representative and by no means comprehensive.
Books and Articles
Coaching
One of the clearest, most practical and insightful books I have read on coaching is Coaching Skills by Jenny Rogers.
I am indebted to the Hudson Institute for helping me on my path to coaching, and Pam Hudson’s books are insightful and deeply human. Self as Coach describes the connection between who you are and how you coach.
Atul Gawande writes well on many topics. His New Yorker article “The Coach in the Operating Room” (also now a Ted talk) explains well the value of coaching across different disciplines.
Self discovery
Two individuals who have much to say about discovering meaning in life are Parker Palmer (e.g., A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life) and Jim Hollis (e.g., his 2018 book Living an Examined Life).
David Brooks’ 2019 book The Second Mountain is a wonderful reflection on the importance of vulnerability in self-renewal, and his own journey towards greater self-realization. He writes, thinks and speaks eloquently on this (and many other topics).
Coaching Resources and Tools
Tools
Personality / work preference tools such as Strengthsfinders, HBDI, MBTI and other resources can have value in certain circumstances, A well-designed 360 feedback instrument (or - better, in-person interviews) is helpful for most coaching engagements because it provides feedback on how we come across to others. This can be invaluable to inform coaching goals. As a guide, I conduct some form of 360s in about half of my coaching engagements. Ultimately the use of these tools is a judgment call based on the situation and need.