The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier (Book Review)
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier shows a simple, effective way to lead through coaching. Instead of giving orders or micromanaging, Stanier teaches how asking the right questions can help unlock your team’s potential. The book focuses on seven key questions that improve communication, boost performance, and encourage growth. The Coaching Habit is perfect for busy leaders and is written in a friendly, easy-to-follow style. It offers tips you can use immediately to make coaching a natural part of your daily routine.
Who is Michael Bungay Stanier?
Michael Bungay Stanier is a thought leader in coaching and leadership development. Known for his work in making coaching a core leadership skill, he has helped countless organizations worldwide shift from being advice-driven to curiosity-led. His book, The Coaching Habit, has become the best-selling coaching book of this century, with nearly a million copies sold and thousands of glowing reviews. In 2019, he was named the #1 thought leader in coaching and has been recognized as a Global Coaching Guru since 2014. Michael was also the first Canadian Coach of the Year and a Rhodes Scholar.
As the founder of Box of Crayons, Michael focuses on teaching leaders to create more impact by being coach-like. His company offers practical, curiosity-based training that helps organizations improve how they engage with their teams. Michael’s dynamic speaking style—filled with humor, practical insights, and a high level of audience interaction—has earned him a reputation on stages and screens across the globe. His TEDx talk has been viewed by hundreds of thousands of people, further cementing his role as a top-tier communicator and coach.
Along the way, Michael’s life has been filled with unique experiences, from knocking himself out with a shovel as a laborer to mastering stagecraft during law school with a performance called Synchronized Nude Male Modelling. His first paid writing gig? A romance short story titled The Male Delivery. Through all of it, Michael’s passion for coaching and helping others succeed continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Wondering How “The Coaching Habit” Can Help You Lead With Impact?
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to improve their leadership style. Stanier offers a refreshingly simple yet powerful approach to coaching that doesn’t feel forced or time-consuming. This book provides tools to improve communication, boost performance, and achieve better results without working harder.
Finding the balance between guiding your team and staying focused on the big picture can be challenging for those running a business. In The Coaching Habit, Stanier emphasizes how coaching can become a natural part of your day-to-day leadership without needing formal sessions or complicated methods. The goal is to say less, ask more, and create space for others to grow. This approach allows entrepreneurs to lead with impact while freeing time to focus on what matters most—growing their businesses.
The book revolves around seven powerful coaching questions that anyone can use in their conversations:
- The Kickstart Question
- The Awe Question
- The Lazy Question
- The Strategic Question
- The Focus Question
- The Foundation Question
- The Learning Question
These questions are backed by research in neuroscience and behavioral economics, which makes them highly practical.
Stanier also provides interactive tools throughout the book, ensuring that the strategies don’t just stay on the page but become habits in your leadership routine. As busy business owners, the idea of coaching may seem like another item to add to the to-do list, but the tools provided in this book make it simple and effective to incorporate without adding more stress.
For entrepreneurs who often feel overwhelmed by decision-making and management, The Coaching Habit offers a shift in perspective. By focusing on asking the right questions instead of always giving advice or directions, leaders can empower their teams to take ownership and solve problems. This saves time and fosters a culture of growth and innovation.
Final Thoughts
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier is an impactful guide for entrepreneurs looking to improve their leadership. With a simple yet powerful approach, Stanier makes coaching a natural part of everyday conversations, offering a path to better communication, improved performance, and lasting results. The seven essential questions outlined in the book empower leaders to guide their teams effectively while saving time and reducing stress.
For business owners, the real value of The Coaching Habit lies in its practicality. Stanier’s conversational tone, backed by research in neuroscience and behavioral economics, makes complex ideas accessible and actionable. His coaching strategies don’t require formal sessions or extra hours—just the right questions at the right moments.
If you’re an entrepreneur seeking to scale your business while fostering a culture of growth and innovation, The Coaching Habit is a must-read. It shows how leading with curiosity, rather than constant advice, can transform your team and your business. This book proves that sometimes, saying less and asking more is the smartest way to lead.
