Coach the Person, Not the Problem, Second Edition - by Marcia Reynolds (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For coaches who want to transform lives, this updated bestselling guide reveals how reflective inquiry--not just asking questions--creates breakthrough moments that AI can never replicate.

In this powerful second edition, ICF global past president Marcia Reynolds shows why reflecting clients' thoughts creates deeper transformation than questioning alone. With AI coaching tools emerging, Reynolds demonstrates how human connection remains irreplaceable for genuine breakthroughs.

"Coaches rely far too much on asking open-ended questions," says Reynolds. When clients hear their thoughts spoken by someone else, they critically examine their thinking. Drawing from brain science and decades of coaching experience, Reynolds provides specific techniques for transformational conversations.

This expanded edition is 20 percent new content including the following:

• Fresh research on identity formation
• New coaching examples
• Guidance on differentiating human coaching from AI

Reynolds reorganizes her acclaimed "three mental habits" and "five essential practices," showing how to create a space where clients feel safe to explore and achieve lasting change. And a new case study demonstrates coaching's power for both personal development and organizational culture shift.

Review Quotes

"Anyone who can strip away the mystery of coaching and show it as an everyday way of connecting with other humans is a hero in my books. Marcia Reynolds is that person. You should read Coach the Person so you can change people's lives"
--Michael Bungay Stanier, author of the WSJ bestseller The Coaching Habit

"Marcia, in her straightforward, brilliantly articulate way, navigates us to simplicity from the far side of complexity in her definitive guide to breakthrough coaching."
--Madeleine Homan Blanchard, MCC, MSc, Cofounder, Coaching Services, The Ken Blanchard Companies

"Dr. Reynolds provokes the reader to explore ways of partnering with clients and coaching beyond the 'sacred cows' and rigidly prescribed questioning techniques. She also does a great service to the profession by elevating the conversation above conflicting coaching schools and cults, urging us to refocus again on the human being we partner with."
--Konstantin Korotov, PhD, Professor of Organizational Behavior, ESMT Berlin

"Dr. Reynolds once again gives great guidance and tools based on years of work with the human mind. She provides a framework for self-discovery where participants partner with coaches in their journey to better maneuver through problems to ultimately reach their potential."
--Krista Endsley, Software CEO and Board Member, MemberSuites, Inc.

"There is far more to coaching than asking good questions--and Dr. Reynolds brilliantly outlines what it takes to move your coaching from good to great in her newest book, Coach the Person, Not the Problem. She looks at the science of coaching and the proven practices that lead to breakthroughs in thinking and lasting personal change. Packed with tips, tools, and case studies, this easy-to-use guide will become an essential resource for teachers and coaches."
--Deb Giffen, Director Custom Programs, Wharton Executive Education

About the Author

Marcia Reynolds, PsyD, Master Certified Coach, is president of Covisioning, a leadership training and coaching firm. She holds a doctoral degree in organizational psychology and master's degrees in education and communications. She is a former International Coaching Federation global president and has been hired by organizations to teach coaching skills across Southern Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Russia, China, and North America. She is the author of five books, including Outsmart Your Brain, Wander Woman, The Discomfort Zone, Coach the Person, Not the Problem, and Breakthrough Coaching.