Positive Psychology in Practice: Promoting Human Flourishing in Work, Health, Education, and Everyday Life, 2nd Edition

Chapter 23Leadership Coaching and Positive Psychology

CAROL KAUFFMAN, STEPHEN JOSEPH AND ANNE SCOULAR

Exactly 10 years ago, we outlined how the then relatively new field of positive psychology could add new impetus to leadership coaching, and we sketched out some of the research that would be needed to bring that to fruition. A great deal has happened since. Positive psychology is now a primary body of theory and research that informs the practice of leadership and executive coaching and can be integrated into other coaching approaches. In this chapter, we describe some of the theoretical orientations of coaching and examine how these might be related to applications of positive psychology. We then make more explicit what a positive psychology model of coaching might entail. In addition, we explore how the field of coaching can be enriched by drawing upon the rigorous research and theoretical solidity provided by the traditions of scientific inquiry.

Executive Coaching: A Generation Change

After 30 years of executive coaching in both the United States and the United Kingdom, we believe we are now moving from what we call “first-generation” to “second-generation” coaching. The first generation of coaches established the existence of the profession, brought it to the attention of the business world, and established basic models of application. Those who did this best brought enthusiasm, inspiration, and the ability to bring fresh new skills to jaded executives. This first generation ...