In the latest book to come from the prolific writer and director of the Centre for Coaching at Ashridge, de Haan focuses on coaching from the perspective of the relationship between the coach and “coachee”, drawing on much quantitative and qualitative research he and others have undertaken. So it has a very different focus from most of the mainstream books on coaching, which tend to focus on techniques and models. As a result, it will not necessarily appeal to those who are interested in reading about coaching skills, but it does provide insights into the profession and its development.

De Haan begins by focusing on the profession and its traditions. This is the part of the book that explores the “relational” element of the title, and seeks to assess coaching from the perspective of the coachee: what is successful and what actions the coach can undertake to ensure that the outcomes match what the coachee hopes to gain from the coaching relationship.