Without goals, how can developmental relationships succeed? Pick up almost any classical text on coaching and the importance of setting goals - clear, SMART, challenging goals - is emphasised throughout. And yet the evidence is growing that the neat cycle of 'set goal - plan how to achieve - implement plan' is at the very least seriously flawed and at worst highly dysfunctional. This challenging book overturns many of the basic assumptions about how goal setting works in developmental relationships. It draws upon recent research from several sources - including separate studies by the two editors - demonstrating that the more specific personal development goals are, the less they are likely to be achieved; and that the most effective strategy is to achieve both a broad sense of direction and high goal alignment. Traditional goal setting can easily become a crutch for poor coaching; or worse a straightjacket. The implications of this re-assessment of the role of goals are substantial for all those practising as coaches and mentors, or managing coaching or mentoring initiatives in organizations. The editors/ authors provide guidance and advice on how to work with and build on emergent goals.