During the five years since Ann Lewis Coaching was launched, I've been struck by the number of bright, capable people whose self-esteem and confidence has been damaged by what is happening to them at work. They have included senior managers, directors and even chief executives.

Having been there myself many years ago, I wanted to develop an approach to getting back on track that would help minimise the misery that comes with such episodes. It would give people tools to enable them to take charge of events, to learn from them, and to emerge stronger and more authentic.

When I decided to write the book, I asked my clients, friends and colleagues if they would be willing to tell their stories, anonymously of course, and they did. These are the stories of real people who have recovered from major setbacks and are now thriving, and the book would not be what it is without them.

I was also delighted when Nancy Kline, author of "Time to Think", agreed to write the preface. In it she says:

"Perhaps the most important message in this book is: 'You are in charge. You have choice. You are not a victim. You can understand yourself, your life, your situation. And you can design your future."

I currently have a small number of coaching slots available. If you are interested in leadership or transition coaching, or with support to get back on track, please give me a call or drop me an email for more information.

There are some books which are fundamental to the way I work, and this is one of them. The positive effect of using Nancy Kline's Thinking Environment(TM) as an approach to working with others is profound.

Nancy Kline's aim is to improve radically the quality of our thinking, by creating an environment of deep attentiveness. Her book describes how, in a respectful thinking partnership, limiting assumptions can be challenged by the use of incisive questions. You can also use a version of the model in larger group meetings.

If you've sat through business meetings at which everyone is vying for their turn, and where the loudest hold sway and interruption is the norm, or listened with growing despair to the conflicting advice of well-meaning friends, you'll really appreciate the power of the Thinking Environment(TM).