Coaching Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards

A leadership coach discovers their client is involved in financial fraud that harms third parties. What is the most ethically appropriate first step?

Answer: Explore the issue within the coaching relationship and encourage the client to take corrective action

Coaches should first address the issue within the relationship, encouraging the client to act responsibly, while being aware of any legal reporting obligations.

Which scenario best illustrates a dual relationship that a CLC-certified coach should avoid?

Answer: Coaching a direct family member while also serving as their financial advisor

A dual relationship occurs when a coach holds multiple roles with the same person, such as coach and financial advisor, which can compromise objectivity.

According to ICF ethical standards, what should a coach do when they realize they lack competence to work with a client's specific issue?

Answer: Refer the client to a more qualified professional

ICF ethics require coaches to refer clients to other professionals when the coach's competence is insufficient to meet the client's needs.

A coach receives a gift from a client valued at $500 after a successful engagement. How should the coach handle this?

Answer: Evaluate whether accepting aligns with their organization's gift policy and ethical guidelines

Coaches should evaluate gift-giving against their organization's policies and ethical standards to avoid compromising the professional relationship.

What does 'informed consent' require a leadership coach to do before beginning a coaching engagement?

Answer: Clearly explain the coaching process, confidentiality limits, fees, and the client's right to withdraw

Informed consent requires coaches to ensure clients fully understand the nature of coaching, including its limits, costs, and their right to disengage.

A coach is working with an executive client when a sponsor (the client's employer) requests detailed progress reports. What is the ethical course of action?

Answer: Share only what was agreed upon in the initial three-way contracting session

Boundaries of confidentiality between the coach, client, and sponsor should be established upfront in a three-way contracting session.

Which of the following best reflects the ICF core value of 'integrity' in coaching practice?

Answer: Being honest about one's coaching qualifications, experience, and limitations

Integrity requires coaches to be truthful and transparent about their credentials, capabilities, and any limitations that could affect the coaching.