Self as Coach, Self as Leader: Developing the Best in You to Develop the Best in Others

Pam McLean has provided the 'next generation' of critical insight into the field of coaching, never needed more than now in our current world. This is big work in our ever changing world and invites us all to become 'twice born leaders and coaches.' Her new book, 'Self as Coach, Self as Leader' takes the history, theory and development of Leadership/ Executive Coaching to a profound place of mindful attention to the 'self' in the process. What a wonderful culmination of the history of the field and understanding of self introduced in her previous book, the 'Revised Handbook of Coaching,' enhanced in this current book, the detailed self-awareness and depth and how that plays out in the role as Leader/Coach.Watching Pam from the early days of the formation of the Hudson Institute with her late husband Frederic, taking the organization and the field to a new level when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers, (here lies the first lesson of twice born leadership), providing direction and vision for the next phase of the organization, developing the first Coaching Supervision program, and continuing to grow and expand herself as a twice and thrice born leader, she models for us and stays true to her passionate commitment to a much needed contribution the coaching field. Her unselfish and dedicated work, brilliance and thoughtful knowledge of theory and approaches, is again extended through this work.I think that Pam's insightful, wealth of knowledge and experience, and addition of her own examples of her personal journey, describes the coach commitment to ongoing development and deep insight into one's self when entering and developing in this profession. This is a book for those that are passionate about coaching and see it as a calling, for leaders that love to lead, and for those that want to grow in their own self-awareness and understanding of their impact on others. As a coach, a leader, a developer of coaches, this should be part of the library and recommended reading for all coaching schools. Thank you Pam for your wisdom, sharing your vulnerable self, and your Leadership in the field for many, many years. Understanding the 'self' as the key 'tool' in coaching, simple, yet profound.

This is a powerful book that lucidly makes the case why working on ourselves is essential if we are going to sit with others in a coaching relationship. Pam McLean sets forth with beautiful clarity a self as coach model, and the work that we each need to do to be great coaches. I have reviewed the work of hundreds of coaches over the past 10 years, and it is who they are, their level of development, and the work they have done on themselves, that distinguishes those who are great coaches. So if you have the privilege of sitting with others in a coaching relationship, reading this book is a must. But more than that, it is inspirational, and doing the work set forth in the book gives us the opportunity to show up as our best selves, in coaching and in life.

Having had the opportunity to study under Dr. McLean, I am familiar with her Self As Coach model and eagerly anticipated her newest book to see how she expanded upon it. I was not disappointed. As a hobby cook, I find myself drawing an analogy to the simple adage that "a cook's best tools are clean hands." This book makes the point that a coach and/or leader's best tool is the development of one's self through exploring what she terms "the inner landscape." Through sharing the work of many thought leaders, research findings, and her own personal as well as vast professional experiences, Pam skillfully moves us through the deeper implications of the Self As Coach, Self As Leader model. With practical suggested applications and reflective questions she invites readers to courageously take the journey of self discovery and growth. Like most challenges, it is simple, not easy. However, should you chose to integrate what this book offers it is almost a certainty that as coach, leader, human being, your ability to relate and connect will deepen. In the end, it's what counts most. A note of gratitude to Pam for this valuable work.

With Self as Coach; Self as Leader, Dr. Pamela McLean builds on a life of understanding and deepening knowledge of coaching and the person we bring to it, whether we are coaches or leaders, or both. Self as Coach; Self as Leader is an elegant reflection of her journey and the wisdom she has acquired and tested over time. Dr. McLean offers us a book that is an invaluable resource for all coaches who work with, and who are, the stewards of our world.

Pam McLean brings a relevant view on coaching, which goes beyond tools and competencies. It is a needed and relevant contribution to the coaching field.The author’s knowledge and experience allow her to interweave perspectives. In the first part, Horney’s, Bowlby’s and Kegan’s work and in the final part the seven eyed and the self as coach models. This shows that coaching is not about one model, one perspective, but about being able to help the client make the changes she wants. The book invites the reader to take her knowledge to a more sophisticated level.

Self As Coach – Self As Leader is a useful and practical guide for every leader today and for every leadership coach who supports them. It provides valuable insights to help leaders and coaches better understand themselves, and to reflect on the importance of themselves as the single most important instrument in interacting with others. McLean refers to the quotes “Who you are is how you coach” and “Who you are is how you lead.” She demonstrates this through her own authenticity by weaving together threads of informative theory along with practical stories and examples. In today’s VUCA world, every leader is called upon to navigate uncertainty. As coaches we are compelled to support leaders to help them be the best they can be. I have spent nearly 30 years as a leader and the past 10 years as a coach and consultant. McLean’s book has already had a significant impact on my coaching and consulting practice, and it has proven to be an extremely valuable resource to the leaders I support. I recommend it wholeheartedly.Tom Fumarelli, MBA, CPA, PCCExecutive Coach and Leadership Consultant

Pamela McLean brings research and practice together, then shares her personal insights to demonstrate how all coaches and leaders can grow by working on themselves, their inner landscape, whatever their level of experience.Her style of writing invites us to dig deeper, not just skim across the surface of apparently familiar concepts. The 6 dimensions that Pamela presents are each a powerful lens through which to explore how we show up.Really practical, this book is for anyone who works with other people - highly recommended

This is a surprising book in that it is deceptively easy to read while asking the reader to do some heavy lifting. Pamela's voice is warm, personal and inviting. She brings the reader through a process of self-examination to help them become a better coach, a better leader or simply a better version of themselves. The concepts were already familiar to me, but Pam re-introduced them in a way that made them freshly accessible. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Pamela McLean's book is easy to read and the content is profound for coaches. I read it twice. It brings together many different models in a sensible way under six headings. Putting it into practice is a lifetime's work.

I highly recommend this book. Dr. Pamela McLean's ability to combine theoretical models with practical examples and personal experiences makes her work powerful. It inspires coaches like mo to keep honing our skills and propels us forward in expanding our range. Excellent.

This book might be useful for beginners, but there is not really much ground covered for experienced coaches.