“This beautiful book is at once timely and timeless. Timely because it incorporates and responds to the latest developments in what we know about work and workplace cultures. Tmeless because it draws on and conveys the accumulated wisdom of centuries.Full of compelling case studies and actionable advice, Coaching for Performance is also refreshingly practical”

Amy C. Edmonson, Harvard Business School’s Novartis Professor of Leadership, and author of Right Kind Of Wrong

If you’re looking for the best book on coaching and leadership, our  book, Coaching for Performance by our founder Sir John Whitmore, now in its 6th edition with Tiffany Gaskell, is still the top pick.

It’s often called the world’s leading coaching book, has been translated into more than 20 languages, and has sold over a million copies. Leaders, coaches, and HR professionals around the world rely on it.

What the Book Is About

The main idea behind Coaching for Performance is simple but powerful: coaching is about helping people reach their potential instead of just giving instructions.

Whitmore sees coaching as a way to manage, lead, and approach work, not just a set of techniques for formal sessions. The early chapters explain what coaching is and isn’t, explore its roots in sports and psychology, and show how it can improve performance at work.

The book introduces the well-known GROW ™ model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will), which is now one of the most popular frameworks for coaching conversations in organizations.

Why It’s the Best Book for Coaching and Leadership

Coaching for Performance stands out among leadership books for several reasons:

Clear and practical framework: The GROW model and Whitmore’s approach are easy to understand and use, even for leaders who are new to coaching. Many reviewers say it’s “informative and easy to read,” with straightforward, step-by-step guidance.

A shift in mindset, not just tools: Whitmore moves away from the old command-and-control style and encourages leaders to act as coaches who build awareness, responsibility, and trust. This approach fits well with today’s agile organizations.

Strong evidence and case studies: The 6th edition includes more research, real-life examples, and data showing how coaching affects performance and culture. This helps persuade even the most skeptical senior leaders.

Directly relevant to engagement and performance: The book explains how coaching behaviors like setting meaningful goals, listening, working together, and accountability can boost employee engagement, which is closely linked to better performance.

Thanks to its mix of practical tools, leadership ideas, and real-world results, many coaching schools and leadership programs call it the “bible of coaching.”

What’s New in the 6th Edition

The 6th edition, co-authored by Tiffany Gaskell of Performance Consultants, has been fully updated for today’s workplace. It addresses hybrid work, rapid change, and the need for more human, purpose-driven leadership. New material includes:

Fresh case studies from organisations building a coaching culture
Stronger links between coaching, sustainability and long-term performance
Updated guidance on embedding coaching across teams, not just in one-to-one conversations

This means it’s not just a classic, but also a practical guide for leaders who want to coach in today’s world.

Who Should Read It?

Coaching for Performance is ideal for:

• Leaders and managers who want to move from telling to coaching
• HR and talent professionals building coaching cultures and leadership programmes
• Internal and external coaches looking for a solid, trusted foundation
• Anyone searching for the best book on leadership coaching to support their own development

Bookshops and publishers now promote it as the top book for coaches, leaders, and talent managers, showing its reputation as the main reference for leadership coaching.

Verdict

If you search for “best book for coaching and leadership,” you’ll find many options, but Coaching for Performance truly earns its top spot. It offers a clear method (GROW ™), a strong belief in human potential, and practical tools leaders can use right away.

Whether you’re new to coaching or creating coaching programs for your whole organization, this book delivers value every time, no matter the edition.