“Learn Your Way to Success”: A Book Review for Coaches

“Learn Your Way to Success” by Daniel R. Tobin

When there is excellence in instructional methods and excellence in the approach to learning, the possibilities expand exponentially.  This is a stand-out book in that it is written for the learner rather than the trainer or the teacher.  For coaches, the perspective is excellent when working with clients to develop skills or careers.

Summary: The greatest value in this book is to read it with the mind of a young child eager to know more and climb the highest peaks.  Coaches, read it for your own benefit as well as your clients’.

The introduction challenges you, in a very good way, to be cognizant and intentional with your learning.

• Chapter one explores your focus on learning and how to plan.
• In chapter two the tips for maximizing your learning are right on target.
• Chapter three is ongoing learning for me – remember to learn and be open to all learning.
• Critical and creative thinking with great examples of limiting assumptions are covered in chapter four.
• Both chapter five on experimenting and chapter six on being a ‘smart dummy’ asking questions expand your thinking for a new level of opportunity.
• Chapter seven on team learning is good insight and expands thinking about learning opportunities.
• It is so true how the web is an excellent resource for learning as discussed in chapter eight.
• Add value to attending conferences and trade shows by reading chapter nine first.
• The personal learning network makes sense for everyone and chapter ten solidifies the value.
• The learning journal in the appendix is a resource you create and will go back to as long as you have it for added learning.

The Good: This is an awesome tool for anyone wishing to excel in their work.  It provides a step-by-step process for evaluating your current and desired knowledge levels.  The book covers your learning opportunities, process, approach, record-keeping, and evaluation.  The author clearly knows his stuff.  For a coach, the perspective is excellent and this book helps ask the right questions.

The Bad: The approach is rather directive and makes some assumptions.  While as noted this does apply at all levels, the writing is directed at people beginning their careers.  For coaches, read it and flex to your client.

Conclusion: This book is definitely worth the read for both learners and their coaches.  The book is comprehensive with great tips plus specifics on how to become an effective learner.