In a recent article, the Wall Street Journal questions the value of test preparation programs for standardized educational tests.

I am a common sense kind of guy, who likes to nutshell. I believe you can reduce the literature on coaching programs for standardized educational test taking to the following:

Coaching does have an effect on test performance but not much different than schooling itself, which of course could be seen as a type of ultimate test coaching.

So if you want your child to do well on the SAT:

1. Have them pay attention and learn a lot in school.
2. Have them read a lot outside of school.
3. Have them write a lot outside of school.
4. Give them a good breakfast (guess I watch too many commercials).

Having said that, the problem I have with a lot of commercial coaching programs is that they teach the student that doing well on a test is all about tricks and learning the tricks. That is the worst message you can give. Doing well on a test is all about studying hard, being prepared, and putting in a lot of effort. It is not about learning tricks.

Almost all of us have encountered the confusing situation where we offer someone help, but our offer of help is refused. Edgar Schein has written a new book entitled “Helping: How to offer, give and receive help,” which is available from Berrett/Kohler or online bookstores. The book analyzes the difference between effective and ineffective help across a whole range of human situations. In simple language, Schein explains why it is that help is refused. For example, it could be due to communication problems or the status differentials that helping creates. Schein’s points are illustrated with numerous examples.

Edgar Schein is widely known for his seminal academic work on organizational development and corporate culture. However, this book is written for a general audience. His book should be helpful to anyone interested in the psychology of change and helping others. Given how ingrained helping is in our daily lives, it can really be though of as guide to living. I highly recommend his book. It should be mandatory reading for psychology graduate programs, organizational development professionals, and supervisors and leaders.

Although these days it might seem like the whole world is having a midlife crisis, for many baby boomers, and even some Generation Xers, the normal midlife issues are being exacerbated by externally imposed, job transition choices. Thus, at such a time, knowing how to deal with these midlife issues is critical. Yesterday, I mentioned a book and blog by Diane Wilson.

Today, I am going to review a book by Eda Goldstein entitled “When the Bubble Bursts: Clinical Perspectives on Midlife Issues.” This book deals with midlife and also the narcissistic vulnerabilities that arise during this life stage. Although an excellent treatment of midlife transition issues, this book definitely comes from a psychoanalytic perspective. There is also a great deal more description of the problems of midlife than of what to do about such problems. The issues dealt with are not limited to work and are illustrated with numerous case studies.

Given the lack of literature on this topic, the book does make a contribution for those looking for psychological explanations for the problems of midlife. However, this book is probably not for beginners, whether it is in its treatment of midlife issues or narcissism. In the end, the book is probably better at chronicling the crisis of midlife than at exploring narcissism as a disorder to be overcome.

Are you currently undergoing a career transition? You are not alone.

A few years ago, a good friend of mine, Diane Wilson, wrote a book on career transitions. It was an excellent book that sold well, but today, the advice in the book is even more appropriate. Diane also has started blogging again and you can find her blog through the “People Getting Back in Control” Facebook group or http://emotionalunemployment.blogspot.com/

Diane’s goal is to make her blog an excellent resource for people in career transtion attempting to manage the psychological aspects of change. Peak performance training for the job world!

 Are you involved in leadership and executive coaching and interested in information on dealing with the challenges organizations face during the current economic crisis? If so, RHR International has let me know that along with Decision Strategies International, they will be presenting a Free Webinar on Leading Through Uncertain Times. RHR would like to invite readers of this page to the Webinar.

The Webinar will be offered on February 9, 2009, from 2:PM through 3:00PM EST. If you are interested, please email rhrinternational@rhrinternational.com to confirm your attendance and receive dial-in information.

Topics to be covered include how to deal with anxiety, lack of productivity, and strategic direction.

A reminder, coming up this week, for those interested in Executive Coaching

The latest trends and developments in executive coaching will be the topic on Oct. 17-18, when the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s will host its fourth annual Leading Edge Consortium at the Westin Hotel in Cincinnati.  Entitled “Executive Coaching for Effective Performance: Leading Edge Practice and Research,” the conference will examine three areas of executive coaching that attendees will find useful in their work: the psychology of coaching, its impact and some examples of best practices in coaching.  

Executive coaches, businesses, and academics alike will have the opportunity to converse with leaders in the field about executive coaching while gaining knowledge and perspectives from both sides of the relationship. The consortium starts with a welcome reception at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16. The program begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 17, and concludes at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. More information on the Leading Edge Consortium is available at the SIOP Web site at www.siop.org/lec. Registration cost is $425 on or before August 29 and $495 thereafter.   Consortium includes breaks, lunch on Friday and Saturday and receptions on Thursday and Friday evenings.