Executive Coaching with Backbone and Heart: A Systems Approach to Engaging Leaders with Their Challenges

One reviewer said this book was easy to read. While it is well written and gives the illusion of simplicity, the concepts and specifics inside are subtler than that. I am a quick reader and it took me some time to properly digest what O'Neill was really saying. And this is not a big book. When I first picked it up, I remember thinking: "Oh brother another expensive book without much meat." I was completely wrong. There doesn't appear to be a lot of theory, but it is clear that theory is the underpinning of the author's work and it is there front and centre. However, you do not notice it because of how it is presented.  

This one of the few books that I have read where the short case studies really added value to the book. In the cases typical situations and examples of how she expertly handled them were reviewed, as well as some warnings about how the coach can also get triggered by what is happening. Another great part is that this book as a "go back to" reference. The three Appendix contain a personal assessment, questions to ask clients and issues on how to combine consulting with coaching or vice versa.


Best Resource on Coaching I Have Seen   March 27, 2000
Donna J. Dickinson
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

Mary Beth O'niell writes with great clarity and her book is very engaging--almost like watching her in action. O'Neill's four-phased, systems-based methology provides a structure for coaching that encourages individuality. In fact, O'Neill stresses the importance of a coach's self-awareness and developemnt of ones signature presence. She uses many relevant examples to illustrate her approach. I especially value suggestions made throughout the book for how to effectively engage clients. O'Neill has the ability to explain complex sustems theory and interpersonal dynamics in a way that aides understanding. In a recent conversation with a potential coaching client I found myself using, in the moment, the useful information O'Neill offers. If you coach executives, or leaders at any level in organizations, this is a must resource.


Unique perspective makes this book very powerful   June 24, 2000
John M. McConnell (Seattle, WA)
22 out of 22 found this review helpful

In a field crowded with many new titles this book is unique and very empowering. While most coaching books focus on "technique," Mary Beth O'Neill shines the light on how we use OURSELVES to catalyze change. The author helped me better understand emotional systems thinking and how I can use these principles in my coaching practice. Another unusual perspective I found in this book is the author's focus on coaching in the context of bottom line results. Highly recommended!


An Outstanding Book for New and Experienced Coaches   September 23, 2000
Susie Leonard Weller, Director of Tools for Transformation (Liberty Lake, WA USA)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I predict that "Executive Coaching With Backbone and Heart" will become a classic textbook within the field of organizational development! As a new coach, I found Mary Beth O'Neill's writing to be clear, informative, honest and thought provoking. She balances theory with practical examples to illustrate her points and provides highlights at the end of each chapter for easy reference and review. Her willingness to share her mistakes and how she's learned from them added to her credibility and models her own integration of backbone with heart.


An Outstanding Book for New & Experienced Coaches!   September 23, 2000
Susie Leonard Weller, Director of Tools for Transformation (Liberty Lake, WA USA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I predict that "Executive Coaching With Backbone and Heart" will become a classic text book within the field of organizational development. As a new coach, I found Mary Beth O'Neill's writing to be clear, informative, honest and thought provoking. She balances theory with practical examples to illustrate her points with a summary of the highlights at the end of each chapter for easy review and reference. I also appreciated her willingness to share her own mistakes and how she's learned from them. I found her honesty refreshing and it added to the credibility of her book. Her writing models her own integration of backbone with heart.