Book Club Challenge
Ten years of staying curious longer

The
“I Don’t Do
Book Clubs”
Club.

For people who are absolutely, definitely not interested in book clubs. And yet, here you are.

The best part of The Coaching Habit? Turns out it’s other people.
mbs.works/bookclub
A note from MBS

I get it. Book clubs aren’t for everyone. But here’s what I’ve seen when people read this book with someone else: good things happen. Arguments that go somewhere useful. A question that lands differently when someone else asks it out loud. A moment where you realize you’ve been managing someone badly for years and your reading partner is kind enough not to say “obviously.”

Call this whatever you want. A conversation. A catch-up. An excuse. Just bring the book and a few people you don’t mind learning with.

— Michael
Permission slip
Two people is a book club.

What this looks like

1

Find your person (or people)

One friend. Some colleagues. A sibling who owes you a conversation. They all work.

2

Read the book

Together, separately, chapter by chapter, all at once. The audiobook counts.

3

Have the conversation

Meet once or a few times, whatever fits your group. Use the questions in this guide as your starting point.

4

Submit your answer to Question 7

“What was most useful for you?” Tell us something your group walked away with. That’s your submission and what enters you in the prize draw. (Only your club organizer needs to submit. 1 answer for your group.)

How you’ll run it

One Shot

Everyone reads the book first, then 60–90 minutes together on the questions.

Three Shots

Better for going deeper. Take the extra time together to pick one or two of the Seven Essential Questions and start practicing.

Questions worth staying with

On the Advice Monster

When did your Advice Monster show up this week, and what did it cost the other person?

The Advice Monster is the part of you that jumps straight to advice. Everyone has one, and they’re often well-intentioned if not always helpful.

On the people around you

Is there someone in your life, at work or at home, who would benefit from you asking more and advising less?

On the seven questions

Which of the seven questions feels most natural to you? Which one feels like work? *(As a refresher, the seven: What’s on your mind? And what else? What’s the real challenge here for you? What do you want? How can I help? If you’re saying yes to this, what are you saying no to?

What was most useful for you?)*

Just for fun

If your Advice Monster had a name and a catchphrase, what would they be?

Naming the Advice Monster is the first step to taming it.

To close — Question 7

What was most useful for you?

It’s a great way to end any good conversation. Try it out.

How to get your copy

The Coaching Habit is the kind of book that earns a permanent spot on your shelf. People underline it, write in it, and come back to it. There are even fill-in sections designed for that.

Here are the different ways to get your copy:

The 10th Anniversary Hardcover Set

New illustrations. Two bonus chapters. A new chapter on showing up as a coach. Plus a signed bookplate and a limited-edition TCH10 wooden bookmark. Use code BOOKCLUB for 20% off. Get it at mbs.works/bookclub →

Copies for the Club?

Amazon won’t let you order more than 4 at a time. We will. Bundled sets of 5 and 10, book club discount already applied, no hoops to jump through. Order at mbs.works/bookclub →

Paperback

Amazon in the US usually has the best price, consistently under $7. The paperback doesn’t include the new Being of Coaching chapter. If you want access, let us know when you register. Register at mbs.works/bookclub →

Audiobook

Available on Audible and Spotify. MBS reads it himself. Find it at mbs.works/bookclub →

🏆

The Prize

Every club that completes the challenge is entered to win a free seat in Bring Out Their Best for every member — up to ten seats, worth $6,000.

Once you’re done, submit for a chance to win

What was most useful for you?

That’s Question 7 and it’s the inspiration for your submission. When your group finishes, your group’s organizer submits something you found useful, from the book, the experience, the time together, whatever your group decides. Include a photo or video from your club with your submission. A screenshot of a video call counts. A picture of your text thread counts.

Winners are selected every two months. Cycle 1 closes August 19. Cycle 2 closes October 5. Cycle 3 closes December 31, 2026.

Submit at mbs.works/bookclub →