The Portable Coach
by Thomas J. Leonard
The Portable Coach by Thomas J. Leonard is a unique ensemble both in terms of its theme and
presentation.
The core thought is one of transformation. It is based on the concept that success follows one who is
naturally evolving than one who is chasing success. The logic is built on the hypothesis: “what if a
person could consistently attract the good things in life- opportunities. Strong finances, rewarding
relationships…self-satisfaction” and “What if all the squabbles and annoyances in most people’s
personal and professional lives could be subtracted, to be replaced by big expanses of
free/productive time”
He argues that an individual who is endowed with a certain set of attributes, which he calls the “28
thought-expanding principles” or the “Principles of Attraction”, is on the way to make himself more
attractive, and consequently, success would follow him.
This central argument is kind of bold and perhaps a bit hyperbolic, though undoubtedly, of a very
positive intent and highly motivating. For those in coaching and in the journey of creating a personal
brand, this book can be very effective as it presents 28 Strategies that enable Business and Personal
success.
The language is free flow and straight forward as it is designed like a practical” Do It Yourself” guide.
Why the book works:
The Portable Coach focuses on the abundance mindset. Instead of pushing hard to secure a better
tomorrow, it places emphasis on converting resources available today to extra reserves. This could
help one be generous with others. It urges the reader to stop hoping, and instead, concentrate on
the present. It endorses personal integrity, creation of value and a genuine intent to create a
difference.
The 28 principles create a framework that channelises positive outcomes.
This simple, practical approach based on NOW actually operationalises one’s creative energy and
pushes the reader to act.
In my opinion, transformation happens in humans as their needs evolve.
When I examine these 28 strategies against the very basic hierarchy of needs propounded by
Maslow, I see a pattern evolve.
Each of these strategies addresses a need in the five-tier pyramid and when collectively put into
action, triggers a catalysis that creates transformation.
The simple individual becomes an attractive, sought after persona due to this evolution.
1. Psychological Needs
Become Incredibly Selfish
Get Your Personal Needs Met
These strategies address the most basic need of a human to prioritize himself and create a
breathing space where he could thrive and then be of service to another.
2. Safety Needs
Unhook Yourself from the Future
Build a Super reserve
Thrive on the Details
Simplify Everything
A human cannot give to another, unless he is safe. Each of these strategies guides an
individual to secure his space. It could be wellbeing in terms of wealth or time management,
conservation of energy, changeover from reactive to proactive mind set, or simply the age-
old notion of “the Devil is in the details.” These are small, apparently insignificant stuff that
could make a world of difference, simplify the clutter, and create a sorted individual that
people look up to.
3. Love & Belonging
Overrespond to Every Event
Show Others How to Please You
Be Real, Be Human
The emotional intelligence and proaction solicited in these strategies create the basis for
communication and are a lesson to “Evolve, don’t just improve”
4. Esteem
Promise Little, Deliver Everything
Become Unconditionally Constructive
Create a Vacuum that pulls you forward
Develop More Character Than You Need
Recognize and Tell the Truth
Orient Around Your Values
A whole bunch of strategies go to create the evolved being whose need is now much higher
than the physical and the emotional.
It is noteworthy that majority of Leonard’s strategies cater to practices that are reflective of
higher needs, typically that of a leader or a coach, one who can guide.
These strategies dwell on integrity, excellence, over delivering and not accepting anything
mediocre. It also speaks of accepting one’s weakness and implementing measures to
conquer the weakness.
We see a human who believes in the best and is trying to deliver the best, highlighting the
deep-seated need to be respected and held in high esteem.
5. Self-Actualisation
See How Perfect the Present Really Is
Master Your Craft
Add Value Just for the Joy of It
Have a Vision
Get a Fulfilling Life, not just an impressive lifestyle
“See How Perfect the Present Really Is” summarises the self-actualisation quotient.
These strategies cater to a belief system where one has “Mastered your Craft” and “Add(s)
Value only for the Joy of it.”
While the author may not have arranged the strategies in any particular order, the reading of the
book does conjure up an image of a needy, reactive individual transforming into a self-actualized,
respected visionary, one who people get attracted to.
Looking at the growing number of strategies under the higher need categories, one feels that the
book is intended for middle to senior leadership, a level where transformation is evident.
These 28 nuggets in the book are each a lesson in self-exploration with a forward- looking solution to
an issue. They individually play out like successful coaching sessions, and can get carried around as
they are compiled in the form of a book.
In that sense, the name of the book, The Portable Coach, is highly appropriate.
Reviewed by Bhaswati Mitra