ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the hub of the coaching conversation—learning from experience. It explores several international developments that may have an impact on the supervision and regulation of coaching worldwide. The book addresses the influence of adult learning and experiential learning on the business coaching process, where coach and client probe the essence of an experience to understand its significance and the learning that can be gained from it. It also explores the purpose and focus of the "coaching conversation" and the competences useful to the business coach. The book seeks to broaden the definition of research, having identified possible contributing roles for coach practitioners, academic researchers and coaching psychologists. It looks at coaching today in terms of its global life curve. The book discusses a cross-section of coaching models which influence the work of business and executive coaches worldwide.
