Mentor Coach: Joan C
15th Mar 2023
Module 4 covers Ethical Practice, one of the eight core competencies required of a coach.
To me, ethics are like moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour. Ergo, when Coach Joan linked it to Business Ethics, which she further linked to the following eight points, I somehow got lost.
- Responsibility
- Trust
- Behaviour
- Principle
- Relationship
- Choice
- Reliability
- Morality
She must have her reason(s) for doing so. She might even have explained it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get it. I probably missed her explanation.
I suspect I have some learning disabilities. The moment I’m lost, my mind goes blank, and I’ll have a problem paying attention to the trainer because I’d keep dwelling on the part(s) I don’t understand. My mind will keep “recalculating route.”
So, I didn’t catch the rest. But thankfully, I can refer to the points listed on ICF’s website.
Nonetheless, if I were to sum up last night’s teaching and all the points taught, it’d be this:
First, do no harm.
PS: One thing I do remember clearly is I felt like I was taken back to elementary school, where the teacher told us to read the words written on the blackboard.?
PPS: Oh, yes. I remember the pledging part. I wonder whether the “The Pledge of Ethics of the ICF Professional” is for our good, our coachees’, or ICF’s. ?
New Insights
Date: 29th Mar 2023
After Coach Mel learned about my ‘learning disability’, he was kind enough to let me watch a similar training he conducted in 2021.
So, in addition to the above, below are my takeaways from this module:
As I endeavour to draw parallels between ethical practices in the commercial world and those in the coaching profession, I am struck by their intimate connection. As a coach, the onus is on us to make principled decisions that uphold the best interests of our coachees.
To this end, we must cultivate a relationship of trust founded on a deep understanding of their needs, beliefs, and values. Our own ethical stance serves as an anchor, guiding us to respect and maintain confidentiality, engendering confidence in our coachees, and enabling them to embark on a transformative journey with our guidance.
The International Coaching Federation’s ethical standards and core values provide a robust framework for our professional conduct, ensuring that we bring about a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of our coachees. Such ethical standards and practices, which I have learned, are crucial to becoming a proficient and ethical coach.
To sum up, my experience has taught me that ethical coaching entails a steadfast pledge to act in the best interest of the coachee. This involves initiating an open dialogue with them from the outset, respectfully inquiring about their values, expressing genuine care, and upholding high standards of transparency and empathy.
As coaches, it is essential that we embrace humility and vulnerability, exhibit candour by not concealing our limitations, and foster a spirit of collaboration with our coachees. By doing so, we can serve as valuable thinking partners, guiding them to uncover blind spots, confront fears, and receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
