There is an important observation that underlies all of these essays on coaching to professionals:  professions are cultures. They are groups of people who have created norms of behavior and established specific ways of action. Some of these norms and actions are explicitly stated—there are codes of conduct and ethics—and some of these are tacitly understood.  Some may not even be consciously observed  or intentionally enacted by the professionals—and yet they are common constraints and guides to action.

These professional cultures, like national cultures, require some additional adaptability by the coach. You might think of it as an added layer of complexity—not only do we need to have respect for the individual and his or her organization, but we also may need to do so for their profession. As one of our authors (Cary) notes, understanding the culture unique to a profession can be of great use in coaching.

Bill Carrier
Bill Bergquist

Co-Editors
The Future of Coaching

Links to the articles in this issue of The Future of Coaching:

Theory E²: Working with Entrepreneurial Professionals in Closely-Held Enterprises

Coaching Physicians

The Transformative Shift in Healthcare Compels Coaching

The Good, the Bad and the Non-Billable: The Reality of Coaching Lawyers

Practice Management and Coaching

Coaching Better Justice

The Book Shelf: Matt Ridley, The Rational Optimist  (2010)

An Overview of Conflict Styles: A Coaching Tool