ABSTRACT
For coaches, it is generally recognised that ethical practice is important to coaching relationships. However (and amazingly), there is a noticeable absence of the topic of ethics in conversation among coaches and coachees. The number of participants in coaching workshops at conferences is relatively small in comparison with the attendees at workshops on marketing and general coaching techniques, for example ‘how to run your coaching business’, ‘inspirational leadership’ or ‘positive psychology’. It appears as if there is some degree of apathy about ethics in action, the assumption being that coaches should know best. Myths abound about coaching ethics. It is as if ‘ethics is simply to do what’s right’. The author is not suggesting that there is a lack of ethical practice in coaching, but argues a case that coaches may need more practical information about ethics in coaching. This chapter aims to fill the void of practical coaching ethics for coaches and stakeholders (customers, coachees or coaching buyers). It first defines what ethics are. It then argues how and why they matter in coaching and describes the ethical guidelines that are provided by various professional bodies. The chapter then goes on to describe the challenges in coaching relationships – problems/difficulties that can arise in the relationship between the coach, the coachee and their organisation. It also provides a case study to demonstrate a typical coaching dilemma and how it affects the coaching relationship. This is followed by a discussion on how
to ensure an ethical approach in real-life practice in coaching such as using modern technology such as broadband, emails, web cameras. Finally a summary of key concepts is provided.
