Title: The Seven C's of Coaching: The definitive guide to collaborative coaching
Author: Mick Cope
Publisher: Trans-Atlantic Pubns Prentice Hall
ISBN: 0273681109
Price:£18.99
Reviewer: Stella Di Perna

Whether you are a professional coach or a manager wishing to develop your coaching skills you will find this book invaluable in becoming a successful coach.

Although I was unsure with the concept of applying a framework previously used for Consulting to Coaching, it works extremely well. The author, Mike Cope describes The Seven C’s of Coaching as a reassuringly straightforward framework for coaching and I agree it is.

I found the framework to be an excellent way to structure coaching sessions. Using this as a guide will ensure that all the essential aspects of coaching are covered. From the initial meeting with the client and deciding whether you want to take them on, right through to ensuring that the client can go it alone, confident that they will implement the changes they want.

The first chapters explain in detail the definition of coaching and collaborative coaching. Mick looks at the purpose of coaching and discusses what the coach looks for in a client. He introduces a model of trust that can be used to measure and manage the nature of the client/coach relationship. Using this model helps to develop a high trusting relationship quickly so that the diagnostic process can start.

Mick uses a case study between coach (Julie) relatively new to coaching and client (John); this illustrates their progress throughout the framework. The case study draws upon the models used and gives ideas on how they might be applied by a coach.

Mike continues with explaining the framework and describing the tools and techniques used within each of the areas which help to expand the diagnostic process.

The Seven C’s described are:

• Client - Understand the person and the problem


• Clarity - Unearth the symptoms and roots of the issue


• Create - Generate a solution


• Change - Deliver the solution


• Confirm - Make sure it works


• Continue - Ensure it will be suitable


• Close - Celebrate and say goodbye

Each part of the framework is described in such a way that it explains in detail the models, tools and techniques used with illustrations, diagrams and examples of how to apply them. There are lots of example questions to assist with each part of the framework which will help in applying the techniques. Each chapter finishes with John’s journey, which describes the main topics of conversation allowing the reader to relate the framework to real life coaching. I found this case study especially useful.

The final chapter ‘Putting it into action’ details a very useful tool ‘Rapid Mapping’ which demonstrates how to use the 7 C’s framework in 10-15 minutes. Using this tool when first meeting a client will enable the coach to gain an understanding of the clients’ problem and assess whether to proceed to the next stage. It gives example questions from each of the areas within the framework.

I found the book very easy to read, in fact, the only difficulty I had was in putting the book down. I gained a lot of useful and practical information which I can easily introduce into my coaching sessions. I would definitely recommend this book for all those who coach or who are looking to start coaching.

Stella Di-Perna – Learning & Development Practitioner and Coach for Marlborough Stirling plc.
Tel. 01242 214000
Email: stella.di-perna@marlborough-stirling.com

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