Coaching for Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to Developing the Star Potential in Your Employees

AORN Journal, August, 2007 by Jo Ann Scherffius

Bob Wall

2006, 256 pages $24.95 hardcover

In the introduction to this book, the author invites readers to take a personal journey of self-discovery. It is a journey well worth taking for those striving to master emotional intelligence. This book can be a quick read, but to get the full benefit of the journey, readers need to take time to perform the reflection and self-development exercises and to practice and apply the new skills.

The book is divided into three sections:

* the impact of emotional intelligence on coaching and development,

* coaching fundamentals, and

* strategies for implementing the theories in practice.

The first section describes the paradigms used to define emotional intelligence and the importance each plays in creating the star performer. As his starting point, the author uses Adele B. Lynn's model for emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness and self-control, empathy, social expertness, personal influence, and mastery of purpose and vision. The author begins with the importance of purpose and vision in laying the groundwork for the book. He then explores the relationships between emotional intelligence and personal success, managing, and coaching. The early chapters help readers understand how life experiences have an effect on the person one becomes and the role these experiences play in both manager and staff member performance.

In the section on coaching fundamentals, the author discusses the shift in management and coaching styles from the industrial age to the current age of technology and information. Today's worker is required to work collaboratively and in teams, unlike in the past when it was enough to simply get the work done individually.

The author describes five behaviors that leaders need to demonstrate and master for effective coaching. He expands on topics covered in the first section, including improvement of one's own emotional intelligence, personal mastery of vision and values, and strong personal relationships with direct reports. He also introduces the concepts of spontaneous coaching and structured conversations. This section includes the introduction of a structured format that is carried throughout the book and consists of an opening statement, observation, impact, and request.

The concluding chapters deal with putting the theories into practice in the real world. The author presents guidelines for giving effective praise, correctively coaching for job performance, and developing emotional intelligence. The limitations of coaching also are covered.

Throughout the book, there are examples of how to describe performance that meets or falls short of expectations as well as how to give praise for performance and emotional intelligence. The structured format for coaching is introduced in chapter seven and in later chapters is used as a template modified to fit situations such as giving praise, practicing corrective coaching, and having formal conversations.

Individuals and members of management teams will benefit from this book by learning the role emotional intelligence plays in collaborative teamwork. It can help readers become better coaches with the skills to develop staff members into star performers. Through practicing the skills, reviewing the pertinent sections, and following the structured format given in the book, a manager can develop a consistent approach to coaching. I recommend this book, and I will be implementing and practicing the skills presented in it.

This book is available from AMACOM, 1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019.

JO ANN SCHERFFIUS

RN, CNOR

STAFF DEVELOPER, OPERATING ROOM SERVICES

SANTA CLARA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

SAN JOSE, CA