Online Archive of Professional Coaching Articles,
Videos, Podcasts, Research and History

The Coaching Commons is a project of The Harnisch Foundation

Archived Featured Articles

Welcome to the 'Featured Articles' section of The Coaching Commons.

In this space, you'll find articles from other 'Commons Areas' showcased. This may take the form of an exciting new grant announcement, a breakthrough in coaching research, special projects for your participation, or other milestones in the work made possible by The Harnisch Family Foundation.

In the big scheme of things, treat the 'Featured Articles' section as the 'front page' or your Coaching Commons newspaper. Just don't forget to dive into your favorite sub-sections too. Enjoy!

Welcome to the (Archived) Coaching Commons

Although the Coaching Commons is no longer publishing, we welcome you to access this rich resource filled with articles, videos and podcasts.  This website covers almost any topic imaginable in the world of professional coaching including all the specialties that have developed from this life-changing field. You may also visit the Institute of Coaching for additional ... Read More

RIP Coaching Commons

The natural life of the Coaching Commons is ending. As a social venture philanthropist, I’m accustomed to some of my projects coming to a conclusion or transitioning into another form.  The Coaching Commons isn’t disappearing entirely: its archives will be available at the Institute of Coaching. It’s a fitting home, because of ... Read More

Without the Coaching Commons, Who Will Ask the Hard Questions and Provide an Independent Forum for Discussion?

It is with some regret that we wind down the Coaching Commons. For many years I have felt that the coaching profession has become large enough and important enough to warrant its own regular news coverage. Several years ago I published the Coaching Insider.  A professional journalist produced it and we ... Read More

Coaching Commons: The Road Less Traveled

In January 2008, Andrea J. Lee wrote the first post for the Coaching Commons. She said "We believe there is something needed in the coaching world, something that’s been missing that this place (The Coaching Commons) will fill. Enough people believe this to be the case that there is energy, inspiration, action, and funding ... Read More

Just One Last Word: Thanks

Journalists aren’t known for writing well when the topic is themselves, and I probably won’t be the exception to that rule. I've written thousands and thousands of words in my stories here at The Coaching Commons, but now, I struggle for each and every syllable. I’ve written and re-written—or perhaps the ... Read More

So Much More Than A Website

It is with regret that I write this final post for The Coaching Commons. In fact, when Linda asked me to write this ‘last post’, a lump formed in my throat and it took many a draft to put my feelings into words.   I was first introduced to Ruth Ann Harnisch ... Read More

The Spirit of Coaching Conversations

Vikki Brock was the first ‘voice of coaching’ I heard and the first professional life coach I talked with - that was over 14 years ago. As I moved into coaching, she became my colleague, trusted mentor and dear friend.  So when Vikki told me about The Coaching Commons, the concept ... Read More

From Rey Carr: We’re Still Hoping for Pledge Success!

The Coaching Commons is one of the best independent sources of information about coaching. The Coaching Commons employs a full-time journalist (Mark Joyella), and their graphics, stories, and contributions by volunteer reporters and researchers are top notch. Funding for the Coaching Commons comes from a grant from The Harnisch Foundation. The Foundation ... Read More

The Coaching Commons Will Become a Permanent Part of Coaching History

I remember during the 2005 ICF Conference in San Jose, California where I first met Ruth Ann Harnisch at a breakfest held by David Goldsmith. Ruth Ann's vision of an unbiased source for coaching information was championed by David.  When I shared my my passion for coaching history, Ruth Ann asked ... Read More

The Coaching Commons Has Been A Place And Space For Me To Express My Thoughts ‘Freely’

"I belong to many Linked-in and e-groups that have interests in coaching; but found my greatest joy; insights; independent & sharing of thoughts; provocative yet intellectual discussions; up-to-date, timely & relevant news on coaching matters; and sometimes biased, and sometimes evidence-based information of and about coaching; which directly & indirectly ... Read More