We focus in this issue of The Future of Coaching on one of the most important tools to be found on a professional coach’s belt—the processes and instruments associated with assessment. In tackling this big and evolving domain of professional coaching we turned to the expertise of our colleague, Karlin Sloan (CEO of Sloan Group International). So, having introduced Karlin, we turn the pen over to her, so that she might introduce this topic and the remarkable team of authors she has recruited for this issue.
_______
First let me say I am privileged to be a guest editor for The Future of Coaching magazine!
Many years ago I was in the first certification group at the William James Institute’s Center for Executive Coaching run by Bill Bergquist, so this is a delightful “full circle” moment for me as his student. Thanks also to Bill Carrier, Executive Coach and co-editor extraordinaire, and Suzi Pomerantz of the Library of Professional Coaching. It is a great joy to support their ongoing efforts to build the knowledge base for our discipline.
In this issue, we will explore the Future of Coaching through the lens of assessment. As coaching matures, our focus on data, particularly that which can be replicated and measured, expands. We’ll hear from experienced Executive Coaches who use assessment in their practices.
I have a particular interest in this issue because of my forays into assessment design with Dr. Alan Graham, featured here as one of our authors. Dr. Graham explores how we assess resilience, and lessons we’ve learned in the field.
Assessing Resilience: The Resilience at Work Assessment
Angela Airall MBA and Dr. Lucy Dubin offer two juxtaposed views of assessment, and ask the reader to look at both sides!
Case Study: Exploring Coaching Options
CB Bowman highlights women who author and own assessments,
Linda DeLuca explores the shadow side of assessments in organizations,
Andrew Cohn offers a perspective on why context matters,
David Ryan, author of the Business Acumen Gauge highlights some brand-new research on how assessing this formerly amorphous topic is now possible for coaches,
Coaching Using the Business Acumen Gauge
Frank Faeth writes about 360 assessments and coachee perceptions
Use of Assessments in Executive Coaching
And Rose Hollister brings us insights into how to set assessment up for success by defining the business case up front.
Strategic Assessments: Setting Up Assessments for Success
Thanks to all for your input and may this information be of use to our growing audience.
Regards,
Karlin Sloan
CEO
Sloan Group International
_______
Thank you, Karlin for your invaluable assistance. We have learned much from reviewing these essays and know our readers will similarly benefit.
Bill Bergquist
Co-Editor
Bill Carrier
Co-Editor