Author, speaker coaches to weather the storm

A catalyst in the international business coaching movement, Sir John Whitmore, executive chairman of Performance Consultants International, is scheduled to speak at the seventh International Coaching Conference, "Coaching and Leadership in Turbulent Times" at the Grand Bohemia Ballroom Oct. 13.

Whitmore, who has written five books on leadership, coaching and sports, is known internationally for his book Coaching for Performance which has sold 500,000 copies in 17 languages. He will be speaking on "New trends in coaching and leadership - Global view," focusing on how coaches can prepare businesses to overcome changing obstacles in the world and how to evolve and perform without fear, doubt and limiting beliefs.

The Prague Post: Why have you decided to make Prague a stop on your coaching tour?

Sir John Whitmore: Since my book Coaching for Performance is the most widely translated coaching book, I'm asked to speak a lot at conferences. When I got the opportunity to speak here, I was happy because I've been to Prague several times, and I really enjoy the city, especially Charles Bridge, and the people are all very friendly.

TPP: The program is titled Coaching and Leadership in Turbulent Times. What do you mean by turbulent times?

SJW: This is very significant because we are undoubtedly in turbulent times from an economic, environmental and/or social peacekeeping view because there is a lot of conflict now. Look at the rebellion in London, for example. It's very important that coaches are knowledgeable about the world so they can ask good questions to the people they are going to coach. Stability is no longer present, especially with the debt crisis, and people are worried. We need to get businesspeople to start thinking about the outside world, not just their business because it will eventually affect them. We have to evolve.

TPP: You mention the new trends in the readiness for change in your speaking tours. What are these trends?

SJW: People want more choice now; they don't want to be told what to do by leaders. Humanity is moving from autocracy and hierarchy to self-responsibility, and organizations that don't share more responsibility and give more choices will lose their staff to another place. So it's very important for coaches to ask about their readiness for change.

TPP: What kind of practical information will guests walk away with after this conference?

SJW: Well, I talk on a global scale, not locally, but it's important for all companies to think about how economic problems will affect them. I am promoting the message of educating yourself about other countries and their economy, their dependency on oil and energy, because coaches need to be more knowledgeable than they used to because the world changes day to day.

TPP: What kind of audience are you expecting?

SJW: I hope they are open and interested and have what we call "whole system thinking," meaning they realize everything affects everything else; it's all connected. I hope to see a good mix of both local and international people interested in coaching.

TPP: What are the principles of coaching?

SJW: As coaches, we ask questions to get people to think for themselves. If we give answers, they don't think as much. The principle of coaching is to get people to be more aware of themselves. Coaching is a new way of thinking and seeing people. We don't teach by telling; we get people to think for themselves and be responsible.

Megan Battista can be reached at
features@praguepost.com