Considering that Jane lives in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago and Sandra lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, people wonder about our partnership. We are often asked... How did we meet? And, how did we decide to write this book?
The two of us actually met on the phone in 1998, as members of the coach credentialing committee for ICF, the International Coach Federation. We instantly recognized a connection - a meeting of the minds about how to coach people to become better managers and leaders. In 2001, Jane co-chaired the International Coaching Conference held in Chicago, and Sandra served as the program committee chair.
Our initial book started out as a management textbook. Total failure! We struggled with how to present our deeper insights about effective management and still fit into a "cookie cutter" template that the publisher wanted. We are grateful that the publisher cancelled our contract!
We re-grouped and set about writing the book we really wanted to write! The Savvy Manager: 5 Skills that Drive Optimal Performance is the result of our efforts and presentsour unique view of the "people side" of managing. Enter Mark Morrow, the acquisitions editor for ASTD, who appreciated the work and recognized its potential. He and his gifted team at ASTD have worked tirelessly in bringing this book to market. And, here you have it. Our first adventure -- a true labor of love!
We are so excited that you are here! Helping you and the people in your organization think differently so you can then act differently is what our coaching is all about. We want you to be the best you can be!
Click on our photos to learn a little more about each of us.
