The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever

Michael Bungay Stanier is a former Rhodes Scholar who considers himself a teacher first, but is also publicly recognized as a writer and the founder of Box of Crayons Lab. Bungay Stanier’s autobiographical presence is minimal in The Coaching Habit, and when he does write in the first-person, usually it is to demonstrate that like anyone else, he is prone to the mistakes he discusses.

On his personal website, Bungay Stanier identifies his mission statement and what he seeks to do with his work: “But I’ve never been much of a fan of the status quo and my privilege is something I try to use thoughtfully to create more possibilities for all of us” (“What’s Behind It All.” MBS Works). While his mission statement implies power structures, the status quo of communication is something he challenges in The Coaching Habit. He seeks to challenge readers’ perception of their own leadership skills and encourage stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. In regards to Box of Crayons Lab, Bungay Stanier claims, “I love that it’s a human-centered place to work, and that it practices what it preaches” (“What’s Behind It All”). Much of his methodology depends on a level playing field where both employees and managers feel respected and as though their contributions to their companies are valued.