Coaching is making a difference in the world, and the field is growing more influential every day. The Foundation of Coaching is the independent home for provocative conversations about how and where that growth and change is happening, and who is making it happen.

Many distinguished coaches, associations, companies, schools and universities are working to increase the impact of coaching in the world. The Foundation of Coaching wants to bring these “movers and shapers” together to form a World Coaching Council by hosting global dialogues.

In August 2006 in Vancouver, The International Coach Federation (www.coachfederation.org) hosted a summit of thought leaders in the coaching profession to start such a dialogue. Approximately 50 coaches from around the world gathered and had a productive conversation. One of the themes of this meeting was that there should be an organization creating and continuing such dialogues.

The Foundation of Coaching now encourages global coaching conversations 24/7 at our sister site, The Coaching Commons. (http://www.coachingcommons.org)

The Coaching Commons is a non-partisan ‘big tent’ under which coaches worldwide can freely create the future together in a non-commercial setting on the web. The Commons provides advanced global dialogue, future-oriented information and trends, and a social focus.

The Coaching Commons is a global gathering place. Like on a university campus, the commons is encircled by buildings inside which lots of great work gets done. In the commons itself, some people walk and think, some pursue big ideas with others, some make friends and lifelong connections.

The Coaching Commons is Coaching’s Think Tank with project management capabilities. Our industry has had think-tanks before, but not with project management connected to it. This means we get to explore things we WANT to see happen and pursue the best ideas to fruition! You are cordially invited to join the conversation!

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Other global dialogues take place in conjunction with various events where coaches are gathering. Please let us know if your organization would like to have a global dialogue hosted by The Foundation of Coaching.

Because The Foundation of Coaching is not aligned with any school, organization, or political position, foundation-hosted global dialogues provide an open, respectful, and lively forum for cutting-edge thinking and speech without censorship. We believe that communication and cooperation are key elements for expanding the difference that coaching is making in the world.

If you would like more information about the 2007 Summit or an invitation to a future global dialogue, please write us at: info@thefoundationofcoaching.org

FAQs:
 

Who gets invited to a Global Dialogue?

The Foundation of Coaching maintains a list of leaders, pioneers, visionaries, leading thinkers, educators, researchers, outstanding coaches and others who love a good conversation about coaching.  If you would like to nominate someone to be included on the list, click here: I would like to nominate a Global Dialogue Participant

What do you talk about at a Global Dialogue?

            A topic may be introduced, or the participants may have their own ideas about where to take the conversation. The purpose of the Global Dialogues is to engage people from different countries, different cultures, different ways of coaching, different schools of thought, and hear their ideas.

Are translators provided?

            So far, the Global Dialogues have taken place in English, but speakers of other languages have brought their own interpreters or multilingual colleagues. If necessary or appropriate, The Foundation of Coaching will provide translation services.

How do you decide where to host a Global Dialogue?

            Because we seek to collaborate and not compete, The Foundation of Coaching has been pleased to host Global Dialogues in a variety of cities where coaches and others are already gathered for another event, conference, convention, or meeting.  If you are aware of an upcoming event where coaches will be meeting, please let us know. We may be able to offer a Global Dialogue in conjunction with that event.

Do the invitees pay?

            The Foundation of Coaching pays for the meeting facilities, the refreshments, and other expenses connected with the Global Dialogue. Participants are expected to provide their own transportation to the event. Global Dialogues are customarily hosted where another event is already taking place. The idea is that participants will have already arrived in the host city and are staying at or near the Global Dialogue venue.

Are the Global Dialogues recorded or are transcripts available?
            So far, these events have not been recorded.  It was felt that participants would feel less inhibited if they knew their remarks were not being recorded. Spontaneous, honest discussion was valued over recording and disseminating the details. Future events may be recorded. Certain key points may be disseminated even if recordings are not made. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Above all, The Foundation of Coaching will value the wishes of the participants.

We are actively seeking partners in this work. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing, please contact us at info@thefoundationofcoaching.org