The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever

Michael Bungay Stanier argues that managers often fail because they provide solutions too quickly, creating a culture of over-dependence. To counteract this "Advice Monster," he introduces seven specific open-ended questions designed to shorten conversations and increase productivity. These include the Kickstart Question to launch focused dialogue, the AWE Question ("And What Else?") to uncover deeper insights, and the Learning Question to ensure staff retain information. The book centers on building a habit of staying curious longer rather than reverting to command-and-control styles or giving immediate instructions.

Team leaders, executives, and middle managers read this to reduce their daily workload while improving direct report performance. It serves anyone who feels overwhelmed by constant interruptions and a desire to micromanage every task. Readers walk away with a practical framework for conducting ten-minute coaching sessions that fit into a standard workday. This method helps them shift from being the primary problem-solver to becoming a facilitator who empowers others to think independently and take ownership of their specific projects.

Growth-minded and clear-cut; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Practical Optimizer. Which reader are you?