When I first embarked on my journey to become an executive function coach, I knew I needed to acquire the knowledge and insights necessary to help clients improve their cognitive skills, such as organization, time management, and emotional regulation.
After research and personal experience, I've chosen these five books as my favorite guides to becoming an executive function coach. While some of these books are not explicitly targeting developing executive function skills, they each provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how to help a student or client overcome challenges AND offer practical strategies and tools for coaching clients of all ages.
By learning from the experts and applying the techniques outlined in these books, I was able to develop my own unique coaching style and make a tangible impact on the lives of my clients.
#1: Co-Active Coaching, Fourth Edition: The proven framework for transformative conversations at work and in life
By Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth
This is an invaluable resource for aspiring executive function coaches. Its proven Co-Active Coaching model emphasizes collaboration between coach and coachee, enabling effective coaching sessions vital for addressing executive function challenges.
The book's holistic approach considers both personal and professional aspects of the coachee's life, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their needs and goals, which helps address executive function challenges in multiple contexts, creating sustainable improvements.
Additionally, it highlights the importance of powerful questioning, active listening, and leveraging the coachee's strengths, which encourages self-reflection, insight, and confidence in clients' ability to improve executive function skills and achieve goals.
The practical tools and techniques provided enable coaches to effectively address clients' unique executive function challenges and tailor their approach to best support individual needs.
#2: The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
By Michael Bungay Stanier
"The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever" by Michael Bungay Stanier is an excellent resource for executive function coaches who want to refine their coaching style for maximum impact.
This book presents a practical framework for conducting effective coaching conversations, helping clients improve their organization and time management skills.
By focusing on asking the right questions and honing active listening, you'll be adept at guiding clients to uncover insights into their executive function abilities.
"The Coaching Habit" offers a transformative approach, ensuring you provide the support needed for clients to achieve lasting success in their personal and professional lives.
#3: Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
By Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
"The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever" by Michael Bungay Stanier is an excellent resource for executive function coaches who want to refine their coaching style for maximum impact.
This book presents a practical framework for conducting effective coaching conversations, helping clients improve their organization and time management skills.
By focusing on asking the right questions and honing active listening, you'll be adept at guiding clients to uncover insights into their executive function abilities.
"The Coaching Habit" offers a transformative approach, ensuring you provide the support needed for clients to achieve lasting success in their personal and professional lives.
Summary
Reading books on how to be an executive function coach can have a significant impact on the lives of students and parents alike. By equipping coaches with the knowledge and tools necessary to address executive function challenges, these resources enable coaches to help students develop essential cognitive skills, such as organization, time management, and emotional regulation.
As students become more proficient in these areas, they are better prepared to navigate the complexities of academic and personal life, leading to improved academic performance, reduced stress, and increased self-confidence.
Parents, in turn, benefit from witnessing their children's growth and success, while also gaining a deeper understanding of how to support their children in developing these crucial skills.
If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of students and parents, consider joining the Executive Function Coaching Academy.
The academy offers comprehensive training and resources to help you become an effective and compassionate executive function coach.
Don't wait – seize the opportunity to transform lives and create lasting change. Visit the EF Coaching Academy website to learn more and take the first step towards a rewarding career in executive function coaching.
About the author
Sean G. McCormick is the founder of Executive Function Specialists, an online coaching business which guides middle, high school, and college students in overcoming procrastination, disorganization and anxiety by teaching time management, prioritization and communication skills so they feel motivated, prepared, and empowered.
He also founded the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains special education teachers, school psychologists and other professionals to support students with ADHD and executive function challenges.
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