1st Edition

The Art of Dialogue in Coaching Towards Transformative Exchange

By Reinhard Stelter Copyright 2019
    164 Pages 9 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    164 Pages 9 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Henley Business School's Coaching Book of the Year 2019!

    In The Art of Dialogue in Coaching, Reinhard Stelter invites readers to engage in transformative and fruitful dialogues in everyday working life, and provides the theory and tools for them to be able to do so.

    Presented in three parts, the book provides a complete overview of the importance of dialogue and how it can be utilised. Part I, Theoretical basis, examines third-generation coaching as a collaborative dialogue form, the societal context of the coaching process and the concept of identity in modern society. Part II, Basic themes of fruitful dialogue, examines meaning-making, value and the narrative perspective, and their significance in creating a new dialogue culture. Finally, Part III, Reflections on dialogue practice, explores the art of being a supporting dialogue guide, drawing on a number of theoretical perspectives and focusing on developing relational competencies. Stelter emphasises that taking the time to linger opens new possibilities for fundamental self-insight, and clearly explains how dialogue provides us with a framework for acting in the world with personal integrity.

    The Art of Dialogue in Coaching will be an essential guide for coaches in practice and in training, coaching psychologists and professionals with a coaching role, including mentors, consultants and leaders. In particular, it will appeal to those looking to conduct dialogue as an art form, enhancing their work as a co-creative and collaborative guide.

    Preface

    Acknowledgments

    Part One: Theoretical Basis

    Chapter 1 Third-generation coaching as sustainable, fruitful dialogue: Key navigation points

    Chapter 2 The societal context: the emergence of the achievement-subject and the burnout society

    Chapter 3 Searching for one’s own self – identity as one of the key challenges of our time

    Part Two: Basic Themes of Fruitful Dialogues

    Chapter 4 Meaning-making in dialogue

    Chapter 5 Values – a basis for action

    Chapter 6 The narrative perspective: transformation through sharing

    Part Three: Reflections on dialogue practice

    Chapter 7 Enhancing attention

    Chapter 8 The narrative-co-creative practice

    Chapter 9 The foundation of dialogue and the dialogue guide’s virtues

    Chapter 10 Dialogue practices

    Concluding reflections

    References

    Index of names

    Index

    Biography

    Reinhard Stelter, PhD,  is a professor of coaching psychology and head of the Coaching Psychology Unit at NEXS, University of Copenhagen, and visiting professor at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. He is honorary vice president and Associate Fellow of the International Society of Coaching Psychology, and a coaching practitioner, researcher, lecturer, workshop leader and facilitator in private practice.

    "Reinhard Stelter has lead the way in thinking about coaching as a humanistic developmental methodology. This book crystallises his latest thinking and will be invaluable to coaches, consultants and everyone who has an interest in developmental approaches to coaching. A must read." - Professor Anthony M. Grant, Director, Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney, Australia

    "As the world becomes more complex and the pace of our lives accelerates, deep personal reflection and social connection become ever more essential. Reinhard’s enlightening book lays out a path to connect both elements in a rich, shared dialogue. Those who embrace this approach will begin a profoundly transformational journey." - David B. Peterson, PhD; Director, Center of Expertise, Executive Coaching & Leadership Development, Google, Inc.

    "This is a lovely, readable, and important book. Professor Stelter’s command of the thought of thinkers such as Buber, Gendlin, and Kierkegaard is exemplary as is his synthesis of philosophical and psychological theory with the field of coaching practice. He is mindful of the chaotic social and cultural context in which we live and brings to it a deeply humanistic and insightful perspective on how meaningful dialogue can help those who are coached. Dialogue, he argues, can help people find grounding within themselves even as they deal with the flux and demands that surround them. This book will be appreciated by anyone who wants to better understand the art and practice of conversation." - Steen Halling, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Seattle University, USA; author of Intimacy, Transcendence, and Psychology

    "This book is a compelling argument for the type of coaching that needs to respond to the disturbing dynamics of the industrialised world. Although I hope that some strands of coaching or some individual coaches are already working with this level of challenge, Reinhard Stelter’s proposition crystallises their intentions into a coherent approach. This deeply thoughtful and passionate book is essential for coaching education and important for all professionals who wish coaching to be a tangible contribution to the state of the world." - Professor Tatiana Bachkirova, Director of the International Centre for Coaching and Mentoring Studies, Oxford Brookes University, UK

    "Overall, Stelter’s book is a useful tool for sports coaches who want to improve their dialogue skills by engaging in more meaningful dialogues with athletes and fellow coaches." - Anne Tjønndal, Nord University, Norway.