There’s a reason we teach the ICF Competencies…
As a school we always cringe when we see coaching represented on TV or in a movie. And, sometimes, it’s quite funny (as per the video below). But, the reality is that there are many people practicing as coaching, without the training, skills or competencies.
Secondly, as coaches, we have an opportunity to present a positive image of coaching. Our behavior doesn’t reflect only on ourselves, it reflects on the whole field of coaching. If we want coaching to thrive as a field we must fiercely protect its reputation as an ethical practice. Ethical behavior is the best way to demonstrate the positive qualities of coaching.
And finally, ethics builds trust not just with your clients and with the business community at large. It is a form of insurance. The more ethical your conduct, the less likely you will be subject to client complaints or lawsuits. In coaching, your personal reputation IS your business reputation.
As professional coaches we adhere to the ethical code set forth by the International Coach Federation (ICF), which includes confidentiality and the utmost concern for the welfare and success of the client.
These standards are based on honoring the client as the expert in their personal and professional life by supporting them to:
- Encourage client self-discovery and exploration
- Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
- Hold the client as responsible and accountable
While this code provides rules for coaches to use in many of the specific situations that a coach might encounter, it serves as a building block for the ethical and moral standards of coaches.