The Coach
Ruth Ann is an IAC certified professional coach.
She serves as a thinking partner to a variety of fascinating individuals, including scientists, authors, non-profit executives, entrepreneurs, journalists, people of ultra-high net worth, creative artists, and others who are doing something that interests her. She accepts a limited number of new clients for one-time sessions and 10-session engagements.
Ruth Ann was honored with the 2008 Vision of Excellence Award at the first Harvard Coaching Conference, recognizing her contributions of energy, resources, talent and money to the coaching field as a pioneer in coaching-related philanthropy. In recent years, The Harnisch Foundation's funding has included grants for coaching-related research, emerging coaching-related philanthropies, executive coaching for leaders and fundraisers, www.coachingcommons.org, www.thegiftofcoaching.org, and more.
These investments are based on Ruth Ann’s belief that the coaching conversation is the model for healthy human interaction, and that everyone could benefit from learning to communicate the way a coach does. That is, by paying attention, listening carefully without judgment, giving respectful feedback, asking provocative questions so the other person can expand thinking, effort, consciousness.
And sometimes what’s needed is a figurative swift kick.
Telling Myself A Different Story
Day 70
My houseguest asked yesterday, “What is the difference between what you do on your sabbatical and what you do when you are working? Because last year, when you are working, you are on the computer. When you are on sabbatical, you are also on the computer.”
That’s easy. What I’m doing on the computer now is [...]
The Plan For Today
Day 65
Someone close to me is in an unfamiliar situation today: there’s no plan for the day because of a travel snafu.
This is creating discomfort, because the person always has a full schedule. The surprise shutdown of the customary flurry of activity brought this person to a revelation. It’s the same one I had when I started this [...]
What If…..?
Day 63
What can change if you take a sabbatical?
Just your whole life, that’s all.
Filmmaker Nic Askew created a five-minute portrait of a woman who changed careers twice. (She went from “nun” to “academic” to “coach.”)
The second change came about after she stepped away from her work for a year , just as I’m doing now.
I’m tempted to feel [...]
Busted
Day 61
Some of you think you’ve caught me red-handed – working.
I’ve had a number of messages (thanks for your sarcasm, your curiosity, your concern) referring to evidence that I’m doing things that look like work.
(Pause)
(Reflect)
(Accept intervention message)
Maybe you’re right. I am having more temptation than I expected to dip my toe into…OK, I’ll say it, [...]
The Recipe For Happiness In One Link
Day 60
If I could remind myself of the contents of this list when I feel complainy or unhappy, I could manifest an instant cure.
I’m So Important I Prob’ly Think This Post Is About Me
Day 58
Back on Day 14, I mentioned that my coach, Renee Freedman, does not promise to get back to people immediately. She lets her correspondents and callers know that she will respond within two business days.
I have been known for Instant Response, but I gave that up during sabbatical year. And maybe forever.
Thanks to Renee, I [...]
Hugs and Flowers
Day 56
If you enjoyed “patting yourself on the back” and “giving yourself a kiss” yesterday, here’s another do-it-yourself gesture via my sister Carol. “Put your right hand on your left shoulder. Put your left hand on your right shoulder. Now give yourself a big hug!” She actually said “give yourself a big hug from me,” [...]
( ____ ) Yourself
Day 55
When I’m coaching, I notice that many of my clients (most of whom are high achievers) have trouble giving themselves credit, applause, appreciation, and honor when they deserve it.
I’m not talking about accepting congratulations from others – I’m talking about an inside job. You congratulate yourself.
Over a quarter of a century ago, I interviewed [...]
The Bluebird Of Happiness Dropped Something On Me
Day 53
The Daily Beast ran a piece today on women and happiness, a conversation with the author of Bluebird:Women and the New Psychology of Happiness.
This led to a conversation with my friend Marielen, the person who has taught me a great deal about the art of personal happiness .
I was holding forth on the importance of deciding to be happy, of [...]
Olympics – I Don’t Get It
Day 50
One of the things I hope to learn during this sabbatical year is: what outcomes or activities would be exciting enough to inspire me next?
I’m taking time off because I suspect my thinking is in a rut, and I want a fresh start. One of my sabbatical activities is to spend time in the [...]
