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    BPI Expert Faculty

    David Clutterbuck

    Professor, Expert Faculty Member

    Best Practice Institute

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.He is recognized as a pioneer in developmental coaching and mentoring, often called the 'father of modern mentoring in Europe.'
    • 2.He co-founded EMCC Global (formerly the European Mentoring and Coaching Council) in 1992.
    • 3.He has authored or co-authored over 75 books, including foundational works on coaching culture and team coaching.
    • 4.He developed the PERILL framework, a tool designed to analyze team dynamics through the lens of complex adaptive systems.

    About David

    Who is David Clutterbuck?

    Professor David Clutterbuck is a distinguished expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute (BPI), recognized for his foundational contributions to the fields of leadership, organizational development, and workplace culture. As one of Europe's most prolific management thinkers, he has authored or co-authored over 75 books and countless articles, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in developmental coaching and mentoring. He is widely considered the "father of modern mentoring in Europe" and a "coaching legend," known for his innovative approaches to fostering individual and organizational growth.

    Beyond his role at BPI, Professor Clutterbuck serves as a practice lead at Coaching and Mentoring International (CMI), a global network dedicated to educating coach and mentor professionals. He is also a visiting professor at several prestigious business schools, including Henley Business School and Ashridge, and holds the title of Special Ambassador for EMCC Global, an organization he co-founded. His career is marked by a deep commitment to advancing the practice and understanding of coaching and mentoring on a global scale.

    What is David Clutterbuck known for?

    David Clutterbuck is renowned for his pioneering work in developmental coaching and mentoring. He is a co-founder of EMCC Global (originally the European Mentoring and Coaching Council), established in 1992, which has significantly shaped the professional landscape of coaching and mentoring worldwide. His extensive body of work includes authoring early evidence-based titles on coaching culture and team coaching, making him a foundational figure in these areas. He is credited with developing the PERILL framework and app, a unique tool designed to analyze team dynamics through the lens of complex adaptive systems.

    His expertise extends to leading the development of the International Standards for Mentoring and Coaching Programs and his involvement as a founder member of the Coach Maturity Research Group, where he co-authored early studies on coach maturity. His insights and frameworks have provided critical guidance for organizations seeking to build effective coaching and mentoring initiatives, and he continues to influence the field through ongoing research and projects, such as developing school-age coaches and mentors.

    What is David Clutterbuck's background and experience?

    David Clutterbuck's career spans decades, marked by a blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and practical application. He began his journey as one of the original pioneers of coaching and mentoring, making substantial contributions to the field's early development. He co-founded the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, now EMCC Global, solidifying his role in establishing professional standards and practices.

    As a serial entrepreneur, Professor Clutterbuck built and successfully sold two businesses, demonstrating his practical understanding of organizational dynamics. He has also served as a non-executive director on various boards and acted as an advisor to the British National School of Government on corporate governance. His academic appointments as a visiting professor across multiple business schools, including Henley Business School and Ashridge, highlight his commitment to educating and shaping the next generation of leaders and coaches. He also held a senior partner position at David Clutterbuck Partnership.

    What topics does David Clutterbuck speak and write about?

    Professor David Clutterbuck is a prolific writer and speaker whose work encompasses a broad spectrum of critical management and organizational themes. His areas of expertise include leadership, coaching, mentoring, team coaching, organizational development, and talent management. He is particularly focused on creating effective coaching cultures within organizations and understanding the nuances of workplace culture.

    His extensive bibliography includes seminal works such as Coaching the Team at Work, a classic text that introduces an evidence-based approach to team coaching, and Beyond Goals (co-authored with Susan David and David Megginson). He actively contributes to the discourse around these topics through hundreds of articles and thousands of conference papers. Professor Clutterbuck's current projects explore innovative employee-owned development systems that align individual growth with organizational success, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing contemporary management thought.

    How does David Clutterbuck contribute to the Best Practice Institute?

    As an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute, Professor David Clutterbuck brings unparalleled expertise in leadership, organizational development, and workplace culture. His profound insights into modern mentoring provide BPI with a leading voice on effective development tools, enriching the institute's offerings and thought leadership. His participation in BPI webinars and programs, such as "Modern Mentoring as an Effective Development Tool," directly translates his extensive research and practical experience into actionable knowledge for BPI members and the broader professional community.

    With his deep understanding of advanced coaching methodologies, team dynamics, and the evolution of workplace practices, Professor Clutterbuck plays a crucial role in BPI's mission to provide cutting-edge research and best practices. His contributions help BPI to remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding talent management, organizational effectiveness, and the cultivation of thriving workplace cultures. Through his involvement, BPI members gain access to the knowledge of a global authority, empowering them to implement transformative strategies within their own organizations.

    Background & Perspective

    Background and Career

    Professor David Clutterbuck is a distinguished management thinker and a pioneer in the fields of coaching and mentoring. His career began as one of the original trailblazers in the field, leading to him being widely regarded as the "father of modern mentoring in Europe." In 1992, he co-founded the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, now known as EMCC Global, which has been instrumental in setting professional standards for the industry. He also holds the title of Special Ambassador for the organization.

    A successful entrepreneur, Professor Clutterbuck has built and sold two businesses. His extensive experience includes serving as a non-executive director on various boards and acting as an advisor to the British National School of Government on corporate governance. He has held academic positions as a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions, including Henley Business School and Ashridge. He is currently the practice lead at Coaching and Mentoring International (CMI) and was a senior partner at David Clutterbuck Partnership.

    Areas of Expertise

    Professor Clutterbuck's expertise encompasses leadership, organizational development, and workplace culture, with a special focus on developmental coaching, mentoring, and team coaching. He is a prolific author and speaker, with more than 75 books and countless articles to his name. His work provides foundational, evidence-based insights into building effective coaching cultures and talent management systems.

    Contributions to the Field

    David Clutterbuck has made numerous foundational contributions to management science. He authored some of the earliest evidence-based books on coaching culture and team coaching. He also led the development of the International Standards for Mentoring and Coaching Programs.

    Key contributions include:

    • PERILL Framework: He developed this unique tool to analyze team dynamics through the lens of complex adaptive systems.
    • Key Publications: His influential books include Coaching the Team at Work and Beyond Goals (co-authored with Susan David and David Megginson).
    • Coach Maturity Research: As a founder member of the Coach Maturity Research Group, he co-authored early studies on the topic.

    His current work focuses on developing innovative, employee-owned development systems and fostering coaching and mentoring skills among school-age individuals.

    Areas of Expertise

    Developmental CoachingMentoring ProgramsTeam CoachingOrganizational DevelopmentCoaching CultureTalent ManagementLeadership DevelopmentWorkplace Culture

    Research Topics

    LeadershipOrganizational DevelopmentWorkplace CultureCoaching & Mentoring

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