Psychometrics in Coaching: Using Psychological and Psychometric Tools for Development

Article Type: Suggested reading From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 17, Issue 2

Jonathan Passmore(Ed.),Kogan Page, 2008

Commissioned by the Association for Coaching, this book is a follow-up to Excellence in Coaching. It includes contributions from the editor, plus 33 writers in the field, whose backgrounds encompass coaching, psychology and psychometrics. While most of the contributors come from Europe, the USA or Australia, many have worked globally as academics or consultants.

The text is likely to be of interest to current and new coaches,human-resource specialists and readers interested in self-development, plus those who may use psychometrics for development in organizations. Equally, the subject matter caters for students with an interest in coaching approaches,human behavior, personal development and psychology.

The text aims to disseminate knowledge and improve coaching practice in psychometrics while also widening coaches’ understanding of the wide range of instruments and tools available.

The book begins by outlining the use of psychometrics and psychological tools and the key aspects of feedback. The following 15 chapters cover each of the chosen instruments and identify how the coach can use these. Each of these chapters follows a common structure, covering: the theory and research behind the questionnaire; an overview of the questionnaire; how to use the questionnaire to deepen self-awareness as a coach; and how to employ the questionnaire as a tool with people being coached.

Examples of areas covered by the instruments are coaching involving:personality types; competences; teams; talent; motivation; emotional intelligence; personal development; leadership; resilience; archetypes;strengths; stress; interpersonal relationships; cultural transformation; and lifestyles.

A final brief chapter identifies other instruments and provides brief details of the background theory and scales used.

A strength of the book is that many of the contributors have been involved in the development of the chosen instruments and are also experienced coaches.

The text is well laid out and includes tables, diagrams, graphics, chapter summaries and extensive bibliography details. These add to the reader friendliness of what seems to be a primarily academic text at first appearance,but has many practical applications.

Reviewed by Alan Cattell, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.

A longer version of this review was originally published inIndustrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 40 No. 5.