Book Reviews: Specialized knowledge in a nutshell

Power Psychology

A review by Prof. Dr. Eric Lippmann

Carsten C. Schermuly is a professor of business psychology at SRH Berlin and is known to many readers for his publications in the field of coaching. In addition to this research focus, he also deals with new work and empowerment. This book can be classified under the latter topic. At a time when 43 per cent of adults on this planet seem to think it is a good thing to be ruled by a strong leader (and the trend is rising), it is only appropriate to approach the phenomenon of power from a psychological perspective. Schermuly succeeds in doing this in a way that is easy to read yet thorough. Considering transformation from a power psychology perspective is particularly important for organisational development: "If you want to change social systems, you need to understand and analyse where the power resources have been located up to now and where they should go." (p. 107) The book is divided into two parts: the first part lays the foundations and explains the psychological and physiological processes that trigger power. In addition to meta-analyses, the author also uses illustrative case studies. This could give the impression that positions of power can cause a great deal of damage, which they often do. That is why the author devotes the second part of the book to the question of how power can be used constructively at both the individual and organisational levels. This part is highly relevant not only for consultants but also for leaders. In his concluding social observations, the author advocates a kind of "powerlessness competence". External complexity requires "internal complexity", which enables us to pool our psychological empowerment in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century by using power responsibly.

Carsten C. Schermuly

The Psychology of Power -
How it shapes us and our coexistence

Haufe • 2025 • approx. CHF 30

ISBN 978-3-68 951-048-0

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A newly published coaching classic with substantial insights

A review by Dr Robert Wegener

The fourth edition of this coaching classic has been significantly expanded and its content refined. In around a thousand pages, the work offers a well-founded and broad overview – from theoretical principles and key consulting methods to differentiated considerations of various coaching settings.

Practical applications, such as in a management context or in agile working environments, are covered, as are situation-specific formats – from coaching in the event of involuntary job loss to supporting start-ups. An overview of key methods complements the handbook nicely.

The editors have compiled authoritative contributions that significantly strengthen the professional self-image in coaching. Scientific foundations and practical relevance are convincingly combined; even experienced coaches will find substantial insights and inspiration for the further development of their own practice.

The chapters on future issues, which have been expanded since the previous edition, address topics such as artificial intelligence and the further development of coaching in the context of social transformation. Given their growing importance, these topics could become even more central in the future.

Overall, the work remains a reliable reference point for professionalisation and quality development in coaching – and belongs in every well-stocked specialist library.

Eric Lippmann, Tamara Garcia, Thomas Klink (Eds.) (2026).

Coaching. Applied psychology for practical use.

Process- and embodiment-focused psychology in practice

4th edition • Springer • 980 pages • approx. CHF 70

ISBN 978-3-662-71 515-4

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