Coaching Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

A coach is approached by two business partners who want to be coached simultaneously toward the same business goal. What ethical concern must the coach address first?

Answer: The potential for dual-client conflicts of interest and confidentiality complications

Coaching two people in the same business relationship creates potential conflicts of interest and confidentiality risks that must be disclosed and managed before proceeding.

According to the ICF Code of Ethics, how should a coach handle personal biases that may affect their coaching?

Answer: Recognize and actively work to manage biases so they do not negatively impact the client

ICF ethics require coaches to be self-aware about personal biases and take active steps to ensure those biases do not harm clients or the coaching relationship.

What does 'coaching presence' mean in the context of ICF ethical conduct?

Answer: Being fully conscious and present with the client in the moment

ICF defines coaching presence as the ability to be fully conscious, flexible, and spontaneously present with the client, creating a supportive relationship.

A client repeatedly redirects sessions away from their stated goals toward venting about personal frustrations. An ethical coach should:

Answer: Redirect the client toward their goals while acknowledging their feelings and exploring whether goals need revision

ICF competencies require coaches to hold the client's goals while remaining flexible; acknowledging feelings and exploring goal alignment serves the client's best interest.

Under ICF standards, which of the following would constitute misrepresentation by a coach?

Answer: Stating you hold an ICF ACC credential when you only have a non-ICF certificate

Claiming ICF credentials you do not hold is a direct violation of ICF's ethical standard against misrepresentation of qualifications.

How does the ICF define the boundary between coaching and therapy?

Answer: Coaching focuses on present-to-future growth; therapy addresses clinical diagnoses and past psychological issues

ICF positions coaching as a forward-focused partnership for growth, while therapy addresses clinical mental health issues — coaches must recognize this distinction to avoid scope violations.

A coach is asked to testify in a legal proceeding about what a client disclosed in sessions. What should the coach do?

Answer: Seek legal counsel to understand their obligations and protect client confidentiality to the extent legally possible

Coaches facing legal proceedings should consult legal counsel to navigate confidentiality obligations, since coaching privilege is not universally recognized in law.