Ethics, Communication & Professional Standards Flashcards

Which behavior violates professional boundaries in a career coaching relationship?

Answer: Entering into a romantic relationship with a current client

Romantic or sexual relationships with current clients constitute a serious ethical violation that exploits the inherent power differential in coaching.

What does 'coaching presence' mean in the context of professional coaching standards?

Answer: Being fully conscious and creating a spontaneous relationship with the client in the moment

Coaching presence refers to the coach being fully attentive, flexible, and genuinely engaged with the client in each unique moment.

A CPCC is asked to coach an employee by that employee's direct manager, who also wants to receive coaching session summaries. What ethical issue does this create?

Answer: A three-party confidentiality and power dynamic conflict requiring explicit upfront contracting

Three-party coaching engagements require explicit agreements addressing confidentiality and power dynamics before coaching begins.

Which of the following is an example of a coach 'creating awareness' for a client?

Answer: Sharing an observation that the client's language shifts when discussing leadership roles

Creating awareness involves the coach sharing observations about patterns, emotions, or discrepancies they notice to expand the client's self-understanding.

A career coach is asked to provide a written testimonial for a resume-writing service they have never used. Providing the testimonial would violate professional standards because:

Answer: It constitutes a misleading claim that could harm the public

Providing a testimonial for a service not personally used is a form of deception that violates honesty and integrity standards.

When a coaching client is also a personal friend, the most appropriate step before proceeding is to:

Answer: Discuss the dual relationship openly, assess potential conflicts, and consider referring to another coach

Dual relationships require transparent discussion of potential conflicts and sometimes referral to protect the integrity of both the friendship and the coaching.

According to professional coaching ethics, how should a coach handle a situation where they lack sufficient expertise for a client's specific career niche?

Answer: Disclose the limitation and refer the client to a coach with relevant niche expertise

Honesty about competence limitations is an ethical obligation; clients deserve coaches whose expertise matches their needs.