Pivoting

Change is a necessary, though sometimes challenging part of staying relevant, being engaged and seeking ways to flourish in one’s life. Coaching helps individuals develop coherent strategies for their life and work and to tap into their strengths and inspiration. Often our clients find themselves having to shift or transform their limiting belief systems or habits of mind and behavior to move them toward greater self-direction. How does such meaningful change occur? What role can coaches play to effectively lead our clients to new insights?


To answer these questions, the authors set off on a scholar/practitioner journey of research, study, and first-hand experience to better comprehend the mystery and wonder of how clients actually make meaningful transitions. Their path of inquiry describes a new science of change about how pivotal moments in coaching occur and what coaches can do to help ignite substantial change.


This book interweaves master coach stories, examples, tools, strategies, and research to inform and enlighten readers of the profound awakening human beings are experiencing to the power of individual choice. No longer constrained by the outdated Newtonian concepts of linear change and external control, individuals are now capable of self-organization by shifting their perceptions and choosing to leave patterns of limited thought and action.


From their research, the authors found that coaches play a key facilitative role in helping unleash the capacities and power of these pivots. Readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences of insight and those of their clients and to focus on priming strategies they can use to inspire and support pivotal moments for others. The authors share a dynamic model for igniting substantial change which shows the interrelationship of three core processes that contribute to a person’s readiness for a shift: beliefs, inner knowing, and memory. 

“This book focuses on one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of coaching - guiding clients toward breakthrough moments that inspire deep and lasting change. New and seasoned coaches will be inspired by how the authors seamlessly weave together stories, theories, and best practices. Their book is both an inspiration to read and a practical guide for moving clients toward life changing moments of truth.”  (Paula J. Caproni, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan)

“This book presents a substantial, practical work to enrich your coaching practice and your life. The authors have created a comprehensive coaching guide weaving together the rational and mysterious aspects of human change.”  (Laura Day, New York Times Bestselling Author, “Practical Intuition and How to Rule the World from Your Couch”)

“What a moment when we as coaches see our clients touched by an insight, the famous “AHA” experience. The authors have done amazing workin researching how this magical moment of transformation arises from the inside out and in describing priming strategies to trigger and support these pivots.”  (Hélène Aubry Denton , CEO, Executive Coach, IDC Institut de Coaching)

“WOW – the wealth of wisdom of this pivotal journey is an extraordinary epic drawn from extensive coaching research. Reading the chapters was compelling, unfolding, breathtaking, and deepening as if I were the coach myself engaged in transformative learning and change. A MUST read for all coaches and OD professionals.” (Perla Rizalina M. Tayko, OD Program Director, Graduate School of Business, Assumption University)

“Jackie and Ann have drawn on their deep knowledge of human behavior, systems, change, and coaching as well as their vast experience to bring us a well-grounded, rich, and useful book. It is a gift to those seeking to gain self-awareness, develop personally and professionally, and to make important shifts.”  (John L. Bennett, Director of Graduate Programs, McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte, and Author, “Coaching for Change”)

Ann L. Clancy, Ph.D., is an executive coach and organizational development consultant helping clients to successfully reach their desired performance results. She is a researcher and co-author of the book, Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change, and specializes in Appreciative Strategic Planning. She coaches from an appreciative philosophy based on the assumption that inquiry into and dialogue about strengths, successes, hopes and dreams is itself a transformational process for individuals and teams. Over the past 20 years, she has worked with a wide range of clients from corporations, businesses and governmental agencies to community groups and non-profit organizations. She has presented Appreciative Coaching® workshops nationally and internationally. She is also adjunct faculty at the Fielding Graduate University (Santa Barbara, CA) for a 12-week academic course on Appreciative Coaching® and international faculty advisor for doctoral students in Management and Organization Development at Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand. Her doctorate is in Organizational Development from The Fielding Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. She lives in Billings, Montana.

Jacqueline Binkert, Ph.D. is an executive coach and consultant specializing in leadership coaching with CEOs, leaders and their teams. For over 20 years, she has worked with a diverse range of clients from non-profit organizations and international corporations to educational institutions, governmental agencies and manufacturing, including the Executive Development Center of a Fortune 50 company. Clients benefit from her in-depth knowledge of psychology, leadership effectiveness, organizational behavior and change, and team dynamics. She co-authored the book, Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change, which presents a researched, evidence-based approach to coaching founded on Appreciative Inquiry. Her coaching model applies the principles of Appreciative Inquiry to individual coaching relationships. She has done workshops and presentations on Appreciative Coaching® internationally and nationally. She is adjunct faculty at the Fielding Graduate University (Santa Barbara, CA) for a 12-week academic course on Appreciative Coaching® and international faculty adviser for doctoral students in Management and Organization Development at Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand. Her doctorate is in Human and Organizational Systems from the Fielding Graduate University. She lives in Milford, Michigan, USA.