What Makes a Great Coach?

I'm thrilled to share that What Makes a Great Coach? reached #1 Amazon Best Seller status in Australia across multiple categories, including Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Workplace Culture, Teams, Management Skills, Leadership Training, Sports Coaching, Tennis, and, most importantly, Mentoring & Coaching.

About the Book

Over seven years, I asked more than 500 of the world's leading coaches across tennis, sport, and business one simple question:

"What makes a great coach?"

Together with my co-author, Natalie, we distilled their collective wisdom into 10 practical coaching practices that every leader, coach, teacher, and parent can apply.

Told through the lens of my own journey from aspiring coach to elite performance coach, the book combines personal stories, practical insights, and lessons from some of the world's most respected coaching minds, including the coaches behind many former World No. 1 athletes.

Whether you're leading a team, developing future leaders, or simply wanting to have better conversations, What Makes a Great Coach? offers practical tools to help you coach with greater confidence, curiosity, and impact.

About the research

The book research is comprehensive. It features research from more than 500 of the world’s top coaches.

Buy the Book in Australia

Why call them ‘practices’ and not characteristics?

Emma and Natalie use the term practices. Rather than calling them characteristics or attributes. In addition, rather than using traditional chapter headings. This is encouraging continuous reflection on how we show up as a coach. Importantly, acknowledging that we can always grow and develop as a coach, as we continue our practice of coaching.

It’s easy to say, ‘oh I am a good listener’.

But how do we put that into practice?

What is it about listening, that we are practicing as a coach?

How do we demonstrate good listening?

The book has us dig deeper into this reflection. It’s not a tick and flick.

Are the Practices covered in our Coaching Courses?

100%! If you are a leader, manager or team member interested in becoming a coach, our courses at Open Door Coaching reflect the practices that are shared within this book. Click on the button below to book your free, no-obligation discovery call and learn more about how you can become the leader you aspire to be. Coaching is the greatest gift that lives within all of us. Why not start your coaching journey today?

What is the Coaching Toolkit?

To complement the book #WMAGC we have created The Coaching Toolkit. These are practical strategies are perfect for team leaders to empower their people. There are over 20 tools and you can learn all about them by clicking on the button below.

Learn More about the Coaching Toolkit

A book for all coaches

‘A compelling read that takes you to the heart of coaching. A must-read for all coaches at all levels.’ Jim Loehr, World-Renowned Performance Psychologist and NY Times Best Selling Author.

As Jim Loehr has kindly stated, Emma explains that the book is for all coaches. Importantly is a chance for us to reflect on our own coaching practices. Particularly, if we take the time to answer the reflection questions at the end of every practice. Natalie recaps that while writing the book she took a lot of time to reflect on the practices. Especially, what they mean to her and how she shows up as a coach.

Learn More About our Coaching Courses