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This post was originally published February 8, 2008.
Sir John Whitmore, of the United Kingdom, is a former champion professional race-car driver, a businessman, a sports psychologist and a pioneer in the coaching field. John got started in coaching in the early 1980’s when he introduced Tim Gallwey’s “Inner Game” techniques used in the sports world in Europe. In 1992 John published “Coaching for Performance: Growing People, Performance and Purpose,” which emphasized awareness and responsibility.
I first met John by telephone in 2006 after I emailed him one morning to request an interview for my PhD dissertation on the evolution of coaching. My phone rang about 1:00pm that afternoon and a voice with a British accent said “Hi, this is John. Do you want to do the interview now?” After I got over my surprise at his responsiveness, we talked for 90 minutes about the early, current and future days of coaching. What I remember most about John is his commitment to promoting the coaching industry as a whole, rather than any particular aspect of it.
What stories and thoughts will you share about Sir John Whitmore?
Vikki G. Brock, PhD, EMBA, MCC
Team Lead, Coaching History
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There are 3 Responses so far...
I was the organiser/host for an international coaching conference here in Sydney in 2008 and while researching some of the most wonderful speakers I could possibly find, I always had Sir John Whitmore at the top of my “wish list”.
No sooner had I put the word out that I was organising this conference, John emailed me out of the blue and asked if he could be involved.
I nearly fell out of my seat.
He delivered a special keynote address at the end of the second day that people still rave about.
Thank you John!
Noel Posus
Sydney Australia
I first read Sir John Whitmore’s Book on “Coaching for Performance” during our military officer’s staff course. We were taught that as combat officers, we were coaches not trainers.
Really had a huge impact in our curriculum. Does anyone know if there is any way that I can contact him directly? I would like to ask him to write a testimonial for my book on Leadership.
regards,
Mark
I have the utmost respect for Sir John, who I have met and heard deliver conference addresses on numerous occasions. We interviewed him for our magazine, Coaching at Work (www.coaching-at-work.com), and he was open, friendly and as always, highly inspiring. Recently, he happily cooperated on an article for the magazine with Tim Gallwey, who he is now working with once again on the Inner Game. He always makes time for people, is committed to championing the highest cause and remains passionate about coaching after all these years.