Coaching History

The Coaching History section here at the Commons offers a glimpse at the key influences during the early days of coaching - both the individuals and the publications which helped shape this field.

When The Foundation of Coaching was conceived at the 2005 ICF Conference, the history of coaching was deemed to be an integral part of the Foundation's focus. The History and Archive Division was established, with this stated mission - The Foundation of Coaching recognizes that coaching is a consolidation and amalgamation of many fields, and the innovative thinking of great pioneers. It is as important to recognize the major distinctions between coaching and disciplines such as therapy, mentoring and consulting, as it is to recognize the foundation that coaching has in these other disciplines. The Foundation of Coaching sought to identify and acknowledge the influences and influencers on coaching before and during its emergence, and in its current (and future) state. Dr. Vikki Brock continues to keep this history alive for our readers at the Coaching Commons.

Through a generous grant from The Harnisch Foundation, The Foundation of Coaching transitioned in 2009 to The Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School.