An amazing fact is that there are coach training programs that do not discuss ethics. Another amazing fact is the number of coaches offering services that do not have a Code of Ethics. The International Coach Federation, ICF, publishes a Code of Ethics and all members subscribe to it and agree to be held accountable. If you are not a member of ICF, your options for a Code of Ethics include using one from the organization that trained you or writing your own Code of Ethics.
Have a Code of Ethics before you begin offering coaching services as an essential component for excellence in coaching. In addition to knowing your Code of Ethics, spend time discussing and considering possible ethical dilemmas. Thinking and talking in advance about possible ethical concerns prepares you to handle situations appropriately if they arise.
If you are coaching within an organization, review the company ethics and determine in advance how your company Code of Ethics and your coaching Code of Ethics work together. For example, one of the biggest challenges is confidentiality because if you are an employee taking notes during a coaching session on a company computer, the notes are not confidential. By considering this before beginning, you may choose a different option for note-taking or you may inform your coachee.
Excellence in business and excellence in coaching means having and using a Code of Ethics.
