Fernando Flores provided my foundation and orientation to language and coaching. For this I will always be grateful. The work of Humberto Maturana underlies all the ideas presented here. Simon Turkalj, Amy Carroll and Janique Gascoigne worked for many hours in their dedicated and careful way to make this book possible. Many clients and colleagues, especially Melissa McNair, have contributed to my work and have been open to it—allowing me to learn. All of you have my gratitude. My parents always believed that I could do it—thanks. My wife Stacy and daughter Devin inspire me each day with their love, support, and insight.
More recently, my colleagues Pam Weiss, Sarita Chawla and Craig O’Flaherty have made instrumental contributions to the work presented in this book. Norman Fischer, my Zen teacher, continues to inspire me with his profound compassion and insight into the human condition. Numerous others have made significant contributions to my development; they include Ken Anbender, Keith Bailey, Chauncey Bell, Linda Ruth Cutts, Michael Salveson, Ada Shedlock, Mary Ellen Stanke, Rosanne Annoni, Sara Hurley, Eugene Cash, Dale Sides and Larry Johnson.