Helping People Change

Named the Coaching Book of the Year 2020 by Henley Business School

“This is a title that belongs on the shelf of any educator who teaches in a work-based environment and who’s work involves coaching and feedback.” — International Clinician Educators Network

“This is a book for school leaders who are serious about building a culture where everyone thrives. The concrete strategies and specific exercises for individuals to undertake to develop their skills make this text more than something to just read. Mastery of the content will change individuals and schools.” — School Administrator (AASA, American Association of School Administrators)

“What I really enjoyed about the text was that the incredibly useful information was backed up with content derived from research, as well as literature related to coaching. These supports are presented in a user-friendly way–one that does not require readers to have an uber-advanced degree to understand. Additionally, reflection and application exercises enable readers to apply the content within their daily lives.” – TD magazine (Association for Talent Development)

Advance Praise for Helping People Change:

“At last, a science-based answer to that all-important question, How can I help? Whether you are a teacher, manager, parent, healthcare provider, or coach–from Little League to the executive suite–Helping People Change will give you solid guidance.” – Daniel Goleman, author, Emotional Intelligence; coauthor, Altered Traits

“Not just another book on coaching. Grounded in three decades of research, Helping People Change tells inspiring stories of ‘coaching with compassion’ to illustrate how the power of our dreams is the key to making positive change. A playbook for helping professionals at all levels in the organization.” – Claudy Jules, Director, People Operations, and Lead, Center of Expertise on Organizational Health and Change, Google

“For desired change to be anything but transitory, individuals must see that change as a positive extension of their ideal selves. In Helping People Change, Boyatzis, Smith, and Van Oosten demonstrate the power of coaching with compassion using compelling examples of individuals tapping into their dreams, growing, and changing their lives. A powerful, practical guide for a parent, friend, or leader in any organization.” – Juan Segovia, Vice President of Operations, Sterigenics

“Boyatzis, Smith, and Van Oosten challenge us to move from a problem-focused approach to change to a vision-based approach that is designed to bring out the best in individuals, groups, and organizations. Helping People Change should be required reading for all of us who want to make positive changes in the world, at work, at home, and in our personal lives.” – Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, Inaugural Director, Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University

“What is the secret to creating genuine, lasting change in people’s lives? With compelling research, keen insight, and practical guidance, Boyatzis, Smith, and Van Oosten show that great coaching is not about fixing someone’s problems but about tapping into their inspiring personal vision. A landmark book.” – Marshall Goldsmith, author, Triggers, Mojo, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Richard Boyatzis is a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University and an adjunct professor at the international ESADE Business School. He is coauthor of Primal Leadership, Resonant Leadership, and Becoming a Resonant Leader (Harvard Business Review Press).

Melvin Smith is a professor and the Faculty Director of Executive Education at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Ellen Van Oosten is an associate professor at the Weatherhead School of Management and Director of the Coaching Research Lab, which she founded with Richard Boyatzis and Melvin Smith in 2014.