Liz treats us to a very readable book. Not only is it well researched, structured and written it contains humour, self-efficacy and practical exercises that can be used easily to enhance coaching practice. Written with the professional coach as the focus, Liz draws on a wide research base and personal experience. It will appeal to the reflector for its psychology, the theorist for its research, the pragmatist for its usefulness and the activist for its ready to use practical tips.

Early in the book she lays out her dichotomy of writing a book based around Buddhist values of living for the moment and coaching practice of always looking to the future. Amazingly, she weaves these two seemingly contrary threads into a rich tapestry of Mindful Coaching. As I read it it helped me become more aware of what I was doing as I was doing it. The raisin exercise is a winner! Liz maintains the focus helping coaches become more self-aware throughout each chapter but mixes in a variety of reflections, exercised and useful practical tips. She signposts the reader to other chapters pertinent to the chapter you're reading enabling those all important connections to be made. Whilst similarities to emotional intelligence are obvious from the start she avoids mentioning Daniel Goleman until page 177! But Mindfulness is more than just being aware of your and others emotions and how to use that knowledge, it is a whole philosophy in its own right and sits proudly with its head held high and should take pride of place in the tool box of every coach. She talks wisely as an owl about the use of metaphor too.

I would recommend you acquire this book not for your book shelf but your desk top or bedside. I would give it nine out of ten. I deducted one point as I have now had to buy Nancy Kline's Time to Think. When I've read that I will be reading Mindful Coaching again very soon.

Barry Wilding-Webb, development advisor, facilitator and coach