Strong teams don’t happen by accident—they’re shaped by intention, structure, and the right leadership. For executives in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, and Halifax, the challenge isn’t just about leading individuals but about creating a culture where entire teams thrive. One of the most accessible ways to sharpen your skills? Learning from the insights of the world’s best team coaching books.
Why Leaders Should Read Team Coaching Books
While executive coaching in Canada often happens through one-on-one or group sessions, books give leaders ongoing access to strategies, models, and case studies that they can apply immediately. From understanding different team coaching models to learning practical facilitation techniques, books help leaders deepen their perspective and build a toolkit they can use daily.
5 Essential Team Coaching Books for Canadian Leaders
1. Team Coaching with the 6 Disciplines – Peter Hawkins
A powerful exploration of systemic coaching, Hawkins introduces a framework that addresses not only the internal dynamics of a team but also its external impact. It’s especially valuable for executives managing teams across Toronto and Vancouver, where organizations face both local and global pressures.
2. Systemic Team Coaching – John Leary-Joyce & Hilary Lines
A hands-on guide to implementing coaching practices that transform culture. This book is popular among leaders who pursue team coaching certification or formal team coaching courses in Canada.
3. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
A leadership classic, this book identifies common pitfalls that cause team breakdowns and offers clear solutions. Leaders in high-growth sectors in Calgary and Montreal often use these insights when restructuring teams.
4. Co-Active Coaching – Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, & Phillip Sandahl
While broader than just team coaching, this book provides frameworks that many Canadian executive coaches adapt for both individuals and teams. It’s often referenced in team coaching studios and certification programs.
5. Building Top Performing Teams – Lucy Widdowson & Paul J. Barbour
This practical resource offers step-by-step team coaching examples and templates, making it easy for leaders to implement coaching right away. Some organizations even use it to create internal team coaching PDFs for managers.
Applying Insights in a Canadian Context
Reading is just the start. Leaders in Montreal may focus on managing bilingual and multicultural teams, while those in Halifax often lean on coaching approaches to unify smaller, close-knit organizations. Meanwhile, executives in Toronto and Vancouver are adapting lessons from these books to lead hybrid, globally connected teams.
Final Thoughts
The right team coaching books can serve as a bridge between theory and action. Whether you’re considering executive coaching in Ottawa, exploring team coaching certification, or simply looking to improve how your team works together, investing in the wisdom found in these titles is a step toward long-term leadership success.
