Coaching and control do not blend well at all, and learning should occur in all directions. These are two of the key premises behind the new book Coaching Up & Down the Generations, by Lisa Haneberg and available from ASTD Press and Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

One reviewer said Haneberg "breaks out of the rigid, traditional mentor-mentee model" and "shares a dynamic process that will finally unleash mutual understanding, support, and learning across the generations."

Haneberg has written 12 books and is the author of the popular syndicated Management Craft blog. She says she wrote this book because she wants professionals to better catalyze success at many levels of the organization and with "colleagues of all ages, persuasions, and hair color." Haneberg adds, "Great coaching cannot and should not be defined as a set of practices or as a competency."

With a light-hearted style Coaching Up & Down the Generations answers the questions: How can you help someone who is fundamentally very different from yourself? And, is it possible he or she can help you in return? The book presents the fundamentals of coaching, including topics such as

• push versus pull coaching

• acting as a catalyst

• learning how to listen

• providing accountability and structure.

Because communication is such a central feature of coaching, this book also addresses generational differences. Haneberg provides an entertaining overview of how differently the generations experienced their high school and college years and how these differences affect the ways they think and express themselves. The book explains how to roll this knowledge into the practice of coaching to enable people to achieve extraordinary results.

Coaching Up & Down the Generations is a book that should be on every manager's desk. It is available from the ASTD Store.