The Coaching Manual: The Definitive Guide to the Process, Principles, and Skills of Personal Coaching

Julie’s book differs from others in that it takes a hands-on approach to developing your understanding of coaching, through both practical exercises and time spent reflecting on what has been learnt from the process. The content is anchored in solid knowledge and research findings, but is presented in a down-to-earth manner that is user-friendly and is straightforward to understand & apply. Most definitely a coaching resource and guide that you’ll want to keep returning to, time after time, whether you are an absolute beginner, recently-qualified or experienced coach! Access to free digital resources and support materials enhances the books’ usefulness, too. Absolutely recommended for a prime spot in any coaches own learning library! Julie also has a similarly useful Mentoring Manual, which may be of interest as well, if you are taking a Level 5 or 7 course in Coaching & Mentoring.

I read this book before going on my coaching training and felt it really gave me the foundations to get the most out of my course. I'd recommend this book to anyone just starting their coaching journey or even someone considering becoming a coach. It will give you a flavour for if you enjoy the theory and practice of coaching (it has some great little exercises to try). Well written, interesting, easy to understand and explains how to implement the theory.

This book offers a great place to start for anyone looking to coach others, as a manager or professional coach. It really lays some brilliant foundations for the learning journey and an excellent reference resource.

Great book. I’m currently studying my masters in business psychology, and this is a very easy to read and follow book about the nuances of coaching. Great read for existing and new coaches I think, some of the other books I’ve been assigned are extremely dry and hard to keep concentration.

Just what I needed to complete my apprenticeship

I’ve been really getting into both of Julie's books, they have meant I’m able to get back up to speed on my coaching (both The Coaching Manual and Brilliant Coaching), due to the nature of my work, I’m able to both listen to them and then read them later. It’s made such a difference to my level of certainty and confidence when I coach. Therefore, I really can’t thank her enough for doing what you do.

One of my first coaching texts. Great overview and well written

Very well structured, the title manual is very appropriate. Really like the try ot challenges.

Well written and interesting

I ordered the kindle version of this book and few of the pages aren't opening (129 -145) & (321 to 364) and a few other pages too. Please check and let me know how and when it could be fixed Giving it a 3 star rating for the errors in the kindle version. Appreciate a rectification of errors.

N'étant pas anglophone mais avec quelques notions malgré tout j'ai beaucoup apprécié la lecture de cet ouvrage. Il a un côté pratique et fonctionnel si l'on est intéressé par le coaching ou bien encore si l'on est coach sois même. Sans partir dans des choses extravagantes l'auteur revient notamment sur un élément majeur dans tous les métiers d'accompagnement : créer un lien fort entre coach et coaché. A mon sens un ouvrage essentiel quelque soit son niveau de pratique.

Great resource for any coach!

I discovered Julie Starr’s books (Brilliant Coaching, The Coaching Manual, and The Mentoring Manual) while searching for resources to train volunteers at a nonprofit, and they exceeded every expectation. Julie Starr is a true authority in coaching and mentoring, and her writing reflects her vast experience. These books are not only robust and comprehensive, but they also cut through superficial advice, getting to the heart of what makes coaching, mentorship, and leadership truly effective. They didn’t just help us build strong coaching and management frameworks—they completely transformed how I approach relationships and conversations. I’ve become a better listener, and it’s significantly improved how I connect with others. If you’re serious about understanding coaching, mentorship, and improving leadership and communication, these books are an absolute must-read.