CTC CTC Ethics & Professional Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The ICF defines 'coaching supervision' for a CTC as:
- Administrative oversight by an employer
- A reflective practice that supports the coach's development, wellbeing, and ethical practice (Correct answer)
- Mandatory observation of coaching sessions by a senior coach
- A performance review process required for credential renewal
Correct answer: A reflective practice that supports the coach's development, wellbeing, and ethical practice
Coaching supervision is a developmental, reflective practice that helps coaches examine their work, maintain wellbeing, and uphold ethical standards.
Question 2: Which scenario represents a boundary violation in team coaching according to ICF ethical guidelines?
- Challenging a team to reconsider a limiting belief
- Sharing a team's internal conflicts with their competitor organization (Correct answer)
- Asking provocative questions that create discomfort
- Ending a session early due to a team crisis
Correct answer: Sharing a team's internal conflicts with their competitor organization
Sharing a client team's confidential information with external parties is a direct violation of ICF confidentiality and ethical practice standards.
Question 3: According to ICF standards, how should a CTC handle a situation where a team member discloses potential illegal activity during a session?
- Maintain complete confidentiality in all circumstances
- Immediately report to law enforcement without informing the team
- Refer to the coaching agreement and applicable laws, and consult with a supervisor if needed (Correct answer)
- Terminate the engagement immediately and document nothing
Correct answer: Refer to the coaching agreement and applicable laws, and consult with a supervisor if needed
CTCs must balance confidentiality obligations with legal duties, consulting their coaching agreement, applicable laws, and supervisory guidance.
Question 4: What does 'informed consent' mean in the context of a CTC engagement?
- Team members agree to coaching after management orders it
- All participants receive and understand information about the coaching process, their rights, and confidentiality terms before engaging (Correct answer)
- The sponsor signs a contract authorizing the team to be coached
- The coach informs the team of their ICF credentials before starting
Correct answer: All participants receive and understand information about the coaching process, their rights, and confidentiality terms before engaging
Informed consent requires that all team members voluntarily agree to coaching after fully understanding its nature, boundaries, and implications.
Question 5: A CTC notices signs of burnout in themselves during an ongoing team engagement. What is the ethical course of action?
- Push through to honor the commitment to the client
- Ignore it since professional coaches don't experience burnout
- Acknowledge the limitation, seek supervision or support, and consider adjusting or pausing the engagement if necessary (Correct answer)
- Immediately resign from all coaching engagements
Correct answer: Acknowledge the limitation, seek supervision or support, and consider adjusting or pausing the engagement if necessary
ICF ethics require coaches to recognize when personal limitations affect their ability to serve clients and take appropriate action, including seeking support.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes the ICF ethical standard for marketing a CTC practice?
- Coaches may claim any credential that sounds credible to attract clients
- Marketing must be honest, accurate, and not misrepresent credentials, experience, or outcomes (Correct answer)
- CTCs should emphasize guaranteed outcomes to build client confidence
- Testimonials from past clients are not permitted under ICF ethics
Correct answer: Marketing must be honest, accurate, and not misrepresent credentials, experience, or outcomes
ICF standards require that all coach marketing be truthful and transparent about credentials, experience, and what coaching can realistically achieve.
CTC CTC Ethics & Professional Standards 2
The ICF defines 'coaching supervision' for a CTC as: