Gregg Thompson - The Master Coach: Leading with Character, Building Connections, and Engaging in Extraordinary Conversations

Advance Praise for The Master Coach

I have had the great honor of coaching hundreds of executives and managers over the past three decades; Ive graduated from four different coaching programs and have read every coaching book I could get my hands on. This book is different. Gregg does a superb job, not only of describing the practices of THE MASTER COACH but also of presenting a compelling case that those who want to really have an impact in their coaching need to bring their entire selves into the coaching relationship and the coaching conversation. This is the best book on coaching that I have read in a long time. It is a must-read for all leaders and non-leaders who aspire to help others make significant changes in their work, careers and, yes... their lives.

Bob Johnson

Founder, LeaderSearch Executive Coaching Group

THE MASTER COACH will cause you to PAUSE and REFLECT. It will test your courage through penetrating self-discovery questions that guide you to examine your character and how others see, trust, and connect with you. It will challenge you to coach and lead at a much deeper level, leveraging intense, attitude-changing conversations. It is a coaching model that is essential in helping others realize their full potential.

Trish Wetzel

VP, Commercial Operations, Celgene Corporation

I remember that Gregg wrote an article a few years back called Earning the Right to Coach. That article helped me to become more clear about what I do as a coach and what I needed to do better. And hes been my coach along this journey for the past twenty-five years or so. Gregg writes, If Ive done my job, youll feel both challenged and appreciated, encouraged and provoked. He does all of this and more in this book. He offers, If you want to be of significant service to others, become a better coach. Thats absolutely true. As you read it keep one hand open widesee if you can catch the beautiful gems in this book for yourself.

Dede Henley

CEO, The Henley Leadership Group

Author of The Secret of Sovereignty

I have spent the last few years coaching and teaching thousands of organizational leaders how to be more coach-like in their conversations. Leaders who are most effective at coaching realize coaching requires their full presence, character, and attention in every conversation. Many of the coaching books I have read focus on prescribed checklists, but Gregg Thompsons THE MASTER COACH provides insights into the true mastery of coaching. Using insightful stories and compelling yet simple concepts, this book is my new top reading recommendation for my clients. Reading this book has renewed my belief in the power of coaching to improve performance, create positive work environments and build bonds of trust between leaders and their colleagues. But more importantly, its insights compel me to believe that coach-like skills do not stop at the door of the organization. Taking a coach-like approach in all our conversations creates possibilities of better relationships with communities, families and, dare I say, with yourself.

Jim Boneau

Principle Leadership Coach & Master Facilitator

The Rumble Group

Deceptively simple and refreshingly easy to read, THE MASTER COACH is packed with wisdom. I have put this book at the top of the book list for my internal coaches at every level.

Joanne Vranos

Head of Human Resources, GasLog Ltd.

In THE MASTER COACH, Gregg shares the reasons, roles, responsibilities, and results of being a coach. After exploring the vital areas of building trust, values, and communication that are succinctly presented in this very readable book, you will be well-equipped to make a significant difference in the lives of others and you will have the tools to do it.

Garry Ridge

President & CEO, WD-40 Company

Coauthor of Helping People Win at Work

Effective coaching is a critical competency of organizational leadership that promotes creativity, elevates performance and resilience, and fosters professional development. These attributes are essential to provide any organization with the competitive advantage it needs to succeed in an environment of continuous change. THE MASTER COACH is an inspiring and brilliantly written guide for success that helps leaders understand the importance of leading with character, building connections, and engaging in extraordinary conversations. THE MASTER COACH should be considered a must-read for every physician leader and healthcare executive who wants to make a real difference.

James R. Hebl

Regional Vice-President, Mayo Clinic Health System

THE MASTER COACH explores authenticity, vulnerability, generosity, integrity, and couragethe hallmarks of great coaches who seek to elevate these same characteristics in those we are privileged to work with. An essential read for anyone looking to bring their highest and best selves to the coaching craft.

Terry Hogan

Global Head of Diversity and Director, Talent Management

Co-author of What is Global Leadership?

Head of Human Resources, GasLog Ltd.

I have many good books in my library, but only a small number of truly great ones that I return to time and time again for practical wisdom. THE MASTER COACH has been added to that collection. I have personal experience with Greggs Character, Connection, and Conversations; this book is simply and extension of who he is. Studied with the proper motivation, it will not only change what you do as a leader... it has the potential to transform the ways that you think and interact with those around you. Its goal is to help you build a culture where leaders at all levels are more thoughtful, capable, and effective as they direct, advise, teach, mentor and coach others. If you want to take your current skills and organization to the next level, this book offers a great ROI.

Tom Steipp

Former CEO, Symmetricom, Liquidmetal Technologies

Having had the opportunity to lead and serve patients as a general thoracic surgeon, colleagues as the CEO of the Mayo Clinic Arizona, and now students as the Director of the School for the Science of Health Care Delivery at ASU, I truly believe in the importance of servant leadership in achieving great results. The essence of this model is the ability to coach your team members to grow and attain their most ambitious goals. In my experience, Gregg Thompson exemplifies a master coach and has the great ability to teach others through word and action to be the best coaches they can be. Improved leadership by understanding the importance of coaching leads ultimately to improved patient care. I highly recommend THE MASTER COACH as a critical read for all leaders in health care.

Dr. Victor Trastek

Former CEO, Mayo Clinic Arizona

Director, School for the Science of Health Care Delivery, ASU

In a refreshing, direct, and very personal voice, Gregg Thompson offers deep insights and learning about the long but very rewarding path to becoming a master coach. With its structured and clear approach, THE MASTER COACH served me extremely well in fine tuning my coaching perspective, both as a professional coach and as a leader in the corporate environment. The book is a joy to read and provides profound inspiration!

Peter Rauber

Senior Director of Engineering

Qualcomm