To say ‘this is a confidential space for our coaching’ is akin to saying ‘trust me’. You need to do more than that…
How many times have you heard a coach say “I just want you to know this is a confidential space”? You may even say this yourselves at the beginning of a session. And fair enough too – we DO want our clients to feel safe, and to know that they can share their deepest fears and desires without them ever being repeated anywhere else. The thing is though, just SAYING it is not enough. The words themselves do not create the “safe space”, you do!
This is a conversation we’ve been having in trainers meetings, in classrooms and around the corridors of ICA for many years. We teach our students that ethics is more than just a statement, it’s a transparency and behavior that is communicated and then demonstrated over time. It is about adhering to the coaching practice, as you have promised in being certified as a coach.
The recording below dates back to 2014, but it is just as relevant today. That’s the thing about ethics – it’s not a concept that changes over time.
Coaching Practice and ICA’s Coach Training
As an ICF Accredited school we are required to include Mentor Coaching and Coach Observation in our ACC and PCC accredited coach training. But, do more than that. All programs include Coach Development and Competency Labs. These are like a sandpit for coaching, where you can test out tools and strategies, without the expectation that you are presenting a ‘perfect session’. The trainers role is to support your learning, and to provide feedback and guidance. This includes teaching and modelling the following:
- Setting clear boundaries and expectations
- Demonstrating Duty of Care
- Staying in the role of coach
- Acknowledging Difference & Withholding Judgement
- Continuous Professional Development & Evaluation
- Uphold professional standards, codes of ethics, and coaching guidelines as set forth by the ICF Coaching Competencies
- Be vigilant about Conflict of interest
Setting Clear Boundaries & Expectations
Establish clear boundaries with clients in your coaching contracts and agreements. This includes defining the scope of your coaching relationship, your role as a coach, and the limitations of your expertise. Avoid conflicts of interest and be transparent about any potential biases or personal interests that might influence your coaching. In a nutshell, do what you say you are going to do.
Demonstrating Duty of Care
Respect client confidentiality by not disclosing or sharing any information shared by your client with you, before, during or after a session (unless required by law or with the client’s explicit permission). This includes maintaining data bases with integrity, being sure the information you store is protected and not open to the public. This also includes demonstrating a genuine commitment to your clients’ well-being and personal growth. Exercise reasonable care and skill in your coaching practice, providing support, guidance, and referrals as needed to ensure their safety and progress.
Staying in the Role of Coach
Coaching is a profession that can be blended with other professions (nursing, teaching, human resources etc). But, if you are taking on the role of coach, then it is ethically incumbent on you to coach. This means not taking on the role of mentor, therapist, counsellor etc. or sharing your personal experiences without first obtaining permission. We go into greater detail around this in our training programs, including the module ‘What is Coaching’
Acknowledging Difference & Withholding Judgement
All coaches must have an appreciation and recognition that we are equal as humans, with our own unique life experiences (eg. demographic characteristics, gender, age, physical or mental challenges, religion, sexual orientation or even just location).
Coaches must recognize their own biases and privileges and how they impact their coaching, and be aware of discriminatory practices in the systems in which our clients live, work and play. You also need to be aware of your own beliefs and not let them seep into the coaching session or relationship.
Uphold professional standards, codes of ethics, and coaching guidelines as set forth by the ICF Coaching Competencies
Professionalism begins with the first contact (a phone call, an email, a visit to your website) and continues all the way through the business and coaching relationship. All touch points must reflect appropriate professionalism and uphold the professional standards, codes of ethics, and coaching guidelines set forth by an industry regulating body, such as the International Coach Federation (ICF).
Be Vigilant about Conflict of Interest
Again, this can not be a parroted line in a coaching contract or agreement. eg. saying ‘there will be no conflicts of interest’ at the beginning of a session doesn’t work, because you don’t know what could happen. Instead, be vigilant about identifying and managing any conflicts of interest that might arise and refrain from engaging in activities that may compromise your objectivity or integrity. Ensure that your primary focus remains on the best interests of your clients.
Continuous Professional Development & Evaluation
As a coach you will be a life long learner. This means that you will continuously develop and maintain your coaching skills, knowledge, and expertise. You will regularly pursue professional development opportunities, training programs, and certifications to enhance your coaching abilities. You will regularl assess and reflect on your coaching practice to identify areas for improvement, seeking feedback from clients and colleagues, and be open to self-reflection and self-improvement. As an ICA Coach, you will continue your learning and connections long after graduation, with our lifetime alumni.
Steps to Becoming a Certified & Credentialed Coach
Gone are the days where someone could simply call themselves a Coach based on a personal or professional self assessment. Clients expect that the Coach they employ has been assessed as having the skills and knowledge to practice as a coach and hold an accredited Coach Certification (at a minimum).
ICF credentials such as ACC, PCC or MCC then offer a 2nd layer of reassurance, representing the coache's commitment to ongoing professional skill development and the latest coaching practices and research.