Ethical Guidelines and Standards Flashcards

A client asks their executive coach to also coach their direct reports. Ethically, the coach should:

Answer: Evaluate whether coaching the leader's direct reports creates a conflict of interest or role confusion that could compromise objectivity

Coaching both a leader and their direct reports can create conflicting loyalties and compromise neutrality, requiring careful ethical evaluation before agreeing to expand the engagement.

What is the primary ethical risk associated with a coach becoming too emotionally invested in a client's success?

Answer: The coach may lose objectivity and begin steering the client toward the coach's preferred outcomes rather than the client's own goals

Over-investment compromises the coach's neutrality and objectivity, leading to agenda-pushing that undermines the client's autonomy and self-determination.

Which scenario best illustrates an ethical breach of the coaching agreement?

Answer: The coach discloses confidential client information to the sponsor without the client's consent

Disclosing confidential information without client consent violates the explicit confidentiality terms established in the coaching agreement and is a direct ethical breach.

How does the CELC ethical standard address the use of social media contact between coaches and clients?

Answer: Coaches should establish clear boundaries regarding social media contact during contracting to prevent role confusion

CELC standards require coaches to proactively address the boundaries of social media contact during contracting, as blurring professional and personal connection can compromise the coaching relationship.

A coach suspects that a client may be experiencing suicidal ideation during a session. The ethical and appropriate response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the client's state, pause coaching activities, refer to mental health resources, and follow established crisis protocols

Safety concerns override all other coaching considerations; coaches must recognize crisis situations, respond with appropriate support, and connect clients with qualified mental health professionals immediately.

What is the ethical implication of a coach accepting a success bonus paid by the organization upon completion of the client's coaching goals?

Answer: It may compromise the coach's objectivity by creating financial pressure to declare coaching goals met regardless of actual outcomes

Outcome-contingent bonuses create a financial conflict of interest that can bias the coach's professional judgment about whether goals have been genuinely achieved.

According to CELC ethical standards, when is it appropriate to terminate a coaching engagement early?

Answer: When continuing would not serve the client's best interests, such as when the client needs services beyond coaching competence

Ethical early termination is appropriate when continuing the engagement would not serve the client's wellbeing, such as when the client requires professional support that coaching cannot ethically provide.