Book Review: ASTD Learning System Module 7 – Coaching

Last year, as part of my professional development, I completed a skills survey through the Association of Talent Development (ATD). The area that I needed to spend more time on was that of coaching. So this year, I set aside time to read several books focusing on coaching and watch some videos. One book I read was part of the ATD Learning System. It was Coaching (ASTD Learning System, Module 7). Here is what I thought of that learning module.

Coaching (ASTD Learning System, Module 7) has 86 pages spread across four chapters and four appendices. It is basically a reader’s digest on coaching. For me, I thought it was too factually dense and could have benefited from more explanation and storytelling. However, if you wanted to get a quick overview of the topic of coaching, I believe it served its purpose.

The chapters focus on:

• Conduct standards
• Ethical guidelines
• Coaching competencies
• Leadership competencies associated with executive coaching.

The appendices addressed

• Glossary
• Answer key
• Index
• Master reference list

As I mentioned, the writer filled each chapter with a wealth of information. The author wrote it in very heavy prose. I had to reread sections to understand what the author shared, which slowed my reading. I lost interest frequently. As a result, I do not believe I improved my understanding and skills as a coach to the degree that I had hoped. In fairness, I learned a couple of things about coaching that I had not previously considered.

They created the modules to help individuals pursue the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) certification and would help with the written portion of the exam. However, I believe the book did not cover all aspects of coaching, so I will read other books to fill that need.

Chapters 1, 3, and 4 had questions associated with them. These short little quizzes were a nice way to see if you understood the material presented. Additionally, the authors also provided a very detailed reference list. Coaching (ASTD Learning System, Module 7) stood out because the authors researched, cited, and referenced the materials thoroughly.

If you are pursuing the CPLP certification, I would definitely recommend Coaching (ASTD Learning System, Module 7); however, if you are trying to be a better coach, I think there are other books that could provide you with a better understanding of coaching.

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Additional Reading

• Principles of Coaching and Instructing Closely Related

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