Book Review: Coaching in the Great Unknown by John Borland

Published on: 18th February 2019

Written By:

Will Clement is a seasoned organisational development manager with a profound dedication to fostering personal and professional growth. With over a decade of experience, he specialises in crafting contemporary learning experiences that seamlessly blend theory with practice. Will's approach is characterised by breathtaking honesty and compassion, creating an environment where individuals thrive. His work revolves around understanding individuals, empowering them to leverage their strengths effectively. Through his engaging and participatory style, Will encourages individuals to embrace opportunities, nurture relationships, excel in their careers, and tackle challenges with a positive mindset. As the Founder and Director of Clement Leadership Development, Will promises to deliver customised programmes that align with your unique needs and priorities. Connect with Will on LinkedIn.

Coaching in the Great Unknown is fresh onto the scene, the first book by a new author, John Borland.

An Authentic Voice

The typeset is contemporary and fresh. It is easy to read, and broken into manageable sections. This is a perfect ‘read and put down’ book for busy people. Every chapter provides insights into new aspects of coaching.

Furthermore, the authentic voice of the author strikes the reader immediately. John navigates coaching in a unique story-telling fashion which he uses to great effect to drive home his experiences within and outside the field of coaching. Utilising his BRIGHT coaching framework, you get the sense of real expertise through well thought out, and structured chapters.

Similar to James Flaherty’s ‘Coaching, Evoking Excellence in Others’, John offers the how and why of the coaching structure. In addition to this, John speaks to the reader as a human. This is an important facet of the book as it provides, unusually, the mistakes as well as the successes. Rather than the business focus you see in many coaching books, concentrating on ‘wins’ and efficiency, each section provides the human aspect.

Responsibility of Coaching

This book is for coaches and anyone who is thinking of being one. John speaks directly to you from his wealth of experience. Moreover, he uses a variety of examples to drive home the human condition. For instance, from a camping holiday where he becomes ‘Face’ (from the ‘A-Team’), to working with children from low socio-economic backgrounds. John’s varied experience and linkage to coaching leaps out at you.

Purple infographic of the 30:10:5 Rule by MBM — Read for 30, Write for 10, and Teach for 5 minutes is an effective strategy for learning retention

Final Thoughts

Authenticity is the byword of this book and provides a real truth based on experience. Coaching in the Great Unknown makes you think and reflect on the responsibility of coaching and how this moves beyond goals. Moreover, John takes us critically beyond the ‘known’ and challenges all coaches to re-consider how to frame goals, their uses and misconceptions.

This book is challenging and engaging and, in my opinion, one of the best coaching books on the shelves right now.