The Art and Science of Teaching Applied
to Coaching
By: Dr. Jon Metz
Book Reviewed by John Hughes
Effective Coaching is an easy and short read (120 pages) that is more like a workbook than a book. It has simple and easy takeaways, various methods that can be immediately implemented, and several assessments throughout the book to help readers learn more about learning, teaching, and coaching styles.
Gone are the coaching days of 30 years ago, when intimidation, yelling, and bullying were more common. The old styles do not work with today's learners. Plus, we have gotten smarter as a whole.
"Today's coaches need to be bridge builders between knowledge and skills and be well versed on teaching methods, differentiated instruction, learning styles, and more effective assessment and feedback techniques."
This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to be a more effective coach and better understand the differences between the Art and Science of Coaching.
Chapter 1 – Effectiveness
Effective coaching is like a 3-legged stool; each leg is equal and provides a balanced approach.
Leg 1 - Personal Competencies: The WHO
Leg 2 – Professional Competencies: The WHY and HOW
Leg 3 – Technical Competencies: The WHAT = Knowledge and Skills to teach.
Chapter 2 – Session Planning
Ineffective coaches tend to fall short of planning, which is the science of effective coaching. It takes time, patience, collaboration, and super-detailed preparation.
Chapter 3 – Learning Styles and Coach Types
Learning Styles and Coach Types is the most crucial chapter in the book and should be reread more than once. It's well worth it, though, as there is much to unpack.
The Learning Styles discussed are not the "typical" learning styles we are all familiar with, such as auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, but four Learning Preferences.
Master Learner
Understanding Learner
Interpersonal Learner
Self-expressive Learner
* A very detailed Coach Type Assessment will give you one of the 16 coaching Types described in this chapter and ultimately help you determine one of the best ways to match a Coaching Type with the Learning Style! *Chapter 4 – Coach or Teacher
Right out of the gate, Metz asks if you are more of a coach or teacher. Yes, they are similar but not the same, and in today's world, the – "Teaching Style of Coaching" is most effective. Today's learners don't need information; they need interpretation. They need to know the why first to be more interested in the what and how…NOT "Because I said so".
Chapter 5 – Communication and Feedback
Communication is one of the essential skills that we must learn and then deliberately practice—not just to talk to or at the learners but to engage in a way that informs, unites, and inspires excellent results. The #1 communication skill? Listening!
Good feedback provides learners with information that can be used to understand, use, and improve. It is not viewed as criticism. Feedback strategies include timing, amount, mode, and audience.
Chapter 6 – Leadership
Coaches have different and preferred Styles of Leadership. Effective Coaches are Effective Influencers. This chapter includes a highly detailed Styles of Influence Assessment where you will learn your Leadership Styles as outlined in the chapter: Authoritarian (Old School), Democratic, Transformational, Situational, and more.
Also, check out the book Shared Vision, coauthored by Dr. Metz.
Chapter 7 – Mentorship
Coaches are in leadership positions, but that does not mean they are all leaders. Most coaches coach the way they were coached and, through no fault of their own, only know what they know. The best coaches understand the importance of "being mentored" and knowing they need to be the best students of coaching.
Chapter 8 – Responsibilities and Philosophy
Effective coaches are leaders, teachers, and learners who understand the responsibilities of effective coaching. Like learners, not all coaches are the same. They should and do have their own coaching philosophy, which guides their decisions. It's who you are and then HOW you do it.
Be sure to share your key takeaways from Effecting Coaching - The Art and Science of Teaching Applied to Coaching by Dr. Jon Metz in the comments below!
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