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Playfulness in Coaching Book: Award-Winning Insights

Coaching Book of the Year 2023 recognizes the Henley Centre for Coaching at Henley Business School, showcasing the innovative playfulness coaching methodology and its emphasis on playfulness in coaching.

Playfulness in Coaching - the book

About the book

"What do we mean by playfulness? Playfulness and play are increasingly recognized as vital not just for children's development but also as powerful tools in the realm of adult coaching, particularly in addressing serious challenges. The benefits of this approach include enhanced communication, deeper understanding, greater self-awareness, stronger relationship-building, and heightened creativity, ideation, and innovation within the business landscape. This groundbreaking book is the first to introduce and elaborate on playfulness as a coaching methodology, positioning it as a potential Coaching Book of the Year.  


Playfulness in Coaching thoroughly outlines the significant role of playfulness in the coaching process, detailing the rationale and practical techniques for both novice and seasoned coaches. Through engaging case studies, the book provides a comprehensive and evidence-backed exploration of playfulness in coaching, covering essential areas such as contracting, developing insights, fostering direct communication, priming both coach and client for playfulness, identifying and overcoming barriers, assessing risks, and effectively closing sessions. It's filled with theoretical insights, research, real-life stories, and innovative ideas to enhance the understanding and implementation of playfulness in both life and work.  


This invaluable resource is particularly beneficial for coaches who are advancing towards intermediate and mastery levels. The content is tailored for those working with corporate clients, especially in the context of navigating a VUCA environment. Moreover, it is relevant for HR and Learning and Development managers who are responsible for sourcing coaches, overseeing internal coaching programs, as well as managers-as-coaches, life coaches, and mental health professionals.

Book cover on playfulness in coaching with colorful smiling blobs.

Endorsements

Boy with binoculars sitting on a sandy beach.

Matthew Pugh, Clinical Psychologist, CBT Therapist, Schema Therapist, and Chairwork practitioner

'In this inspiring and highly accessible book, Stephanie Wheeler and Teresa Leyman take the reader on a journey that interweaves the art and cutting-edge science of playfulness, illustrating how it has the potential to transform your coaching practice. This Coaching Book of the Year is ground-breaking in its integration of the playfulness coaching methodology and practical applications, which are exemplified through beautiful illustrations of playfulness in coaching. This book stands as an important contribution that will resonate with both novice and experienced coaches, as well as numerous mental health professionals.'

Christian van Nieuwerburgh, Prof of Coaching and Positive Psychology, RCSI University of Medicine

'As a playful person, I’m delighted to see this Coaching Book of the Year in print! It is a credible, engaging, and immediately applicable text that emphasizes the value of playfulness in coaching and the joy we can find in our pursuits. I particularly appreciate the balance of theory and practice, the numerous anecdotes, and the insights into the playfulness coaching methodology from various experts. Bravo!'

Jonathan Passmore, Senior VP; Professor, Henley Business School

'Play is an essential part of what it is to be human. This new text sheds light on how coaches can utilize a playfulness coaching methodology, incorporating multiple play-based approaches, to facilitate coaching conversations. By doing so, they deepen self and systemic perspectives, crafting innovative and fun sessions with their clients—making it a strong contender for Coaching Book of the Year and highlighting the importance of playfulness in coaching.'

Richard Boyatzis, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University; Author

'You won the Golden Ticket! Stephanie Wheeler and Teresa Leyman are the Willy Wonka’s of coaching, ready to guide you through a marvelous tour of playfulness in coaching. Their innovative coaching book of the year introduces a playfulness coaching methodology that will inspire and engage. Just remember, don’t eat the chocolate!'

Andrea Giraldez-Hayes, CPsychol, ESIA & MP, PCC, Progr. Director, MAPP-CP, School of Psychology, UEL

'Coaching is too important to be taken seriously. In this Coaching Book of the Year, Stephanie Wheeler and Teresa Layman present an evidence-based, thought-provoking exploration of playfulness in coaching. They offer countless scenarios and perspectives that highlight the playfulness coaching methodology. This inspiring text is filled with valuable lessons and serves as a roadmap for rethinking some of our coaching practices.'

Explore the book

Playfulness in Coaching: Exploring Our Untapped Potential Through the Playfulness Coaching Methodology, Creativity, and Imagination by Stephanie Wheeler and Teresa Leyman has been recognized as the Coaching Book of the Year. This work delves into the vital role of playfulness in coaching, offering insights that inspire both coaches and clients alike.

Find the book!

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Our book won an award!

Coaching Book of the Year 2023, Henley Centre for Coaching, Henley Business School