Ethics in coaching – the importance of values

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This week in our Coaching Cafe we return to our core, by kicking off a new theme around the ‘ICF Core Competencies’. Importantly, this series is perfectly timed in the lead up to International Coach Week (13^th – 19^th May 2024), to give us an opportunity to reflect on ourselves as coaches and on our workplace coaching practice. We start the series with an exploration of ethics in coaching and the importance of values.

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The ICF Code of Ethics

The ICF Code of Ethics describes the core values of the ICF, ethical principles and ethical standards of behaviours for all ICF Professional Coaches. What this means is to us is simple: if you call yourself a coach, you should be following the Code of Ethics. And importantly, meeting the ethical standards is now a ICF Core Competency ‘Demonstrates ethical practice: understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards’.

The reason we say that this is an important inclusion in the ICF Core Competencies, is because previously, ethics was a given. Meaning, that we act ethically was a given, and not tested or included in the Performance Evaluation. And the ICF have specifically indicated when the ICF Code of Ethics applies. In particular, calling yourself a professional coach.

Do you call yourself a coach?

From the website: The ICF Code of Ethics applies when ICF Professionals represent themselves as such, in any kind of coaching-related interaction. Importantly articulates the obligations across our varied roles including ‘coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, trainer or student coach-in-training, or serving in an ICF Leadership role, as well as Support Personnel’.

From our perspective this is really positive, because it sets the guidelines and tone for our profession. Importantly, in our opinion, it doesn’t just apply if you are an ICF member or hold an ICF credential. We think that anyone that calls themselves a coach, should be following the Code of Ethics.

The link to ICF Core Values

The ICF Core Values underpin the Code of Ethics. Therefore, it’s interesting to take some time out and explore how we are living the Values. How do the values show up in our coaching practice and interactions? This is an important part of our reflective practice as coaches. And we spent some time discussing each value on the webinar. We encourage you to do the same.

Collaboration and community building

The Coaching Cafes are a part of how we live the ICF Core Values. In particular, collaboration. If you are a regular, you know the vibe and the connection that you make to our discussions. And how this contributes to building community. Therefore, we look forward to welcoming you and offering you a value-packed 30 minutes each Friday.

If you’ve not joined us for a Coaching Café, now is your opportunity to schedule this time for your professional and personal development. In addition, you can collect ICF CCEU’s for FREE. In no time at all, you’ll be looking forward to Friday lunchtimes, just like we all do!

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