Re-Visit Competency 1

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice

Before we do a deep dive into the fundamental standards of the Code of Ethics, it is vital to note that ethics is the foundation for all the ICF Core Competencies. The Code of Ethics sets out the standards and the legal disciplines to maintain the ethical and professional conduct of ICF Members, the competency ensures each coach is living and emulating authentic values, conduct, and practices befitting a professional coach. The Competency is “HOW” the coach demonstrates professionalism.

International Coaching Federation Core Competency and Attributes

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice

Definition: Understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards of coaching.

Demonstrates personal integrity and honesty in interactions with clients, sponsors, and relevant stakeholders.
Is sensitive to clients’ identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs.
Uses language appropriate and respectful to clients, sponsors, and relevant stakeholders.
Abides by the ICF Code of Ethics and upholds the Core Values.
Maintains confidentiality with client information per stakeholder agreements and pertinent laws.
Maintains the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy, and other support professions.
Refers clients to other support professionals, as appropriate.

What It Is

The first of the ICF Core Competencies is Demonstrates Ethical Practice. This competency emphasizes the importance of conducting coaching sessions with the highest level of integrity, honesty, and transparency.

Ethical practice addresses key concerns such as respecting confidentiality, maintaining professional boundaries, and ensuring the well-being of clients. By upholding ethical standards, coaches establish trust with their clients and create a safe space for open and honest dialogue.

Why It Matters

This competency matters because it builds credibility and establishes a foundation of trust, allowing coaches to effectively support their clients in achieving their goals. Embodying ethical practice also helps coaches maintain their professional reputation and adhere to industry standards.

Faculty Insight by Ann Fogolin, MCC

Minimum Skills Requirement for Competency 1

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice	How Demonstrated by a Coach
The coach must always demonstrate alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics through the coaching engagement. Key Skills Evaluated The ACC coach demonstrates a basic understanding of the ICF Code of Ethics, adhering to fundamental ethical standards. They consistently respect confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries, though they may require occasional support or clarification on complex ethical dilemmas.	1. Coach demonstrates alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics. Listen to an Audio Example
	2. Consistently aligned with role as Coach.
Missed: The coach does not demonstrate awareness or understanding of the ICF Code of Ethics. They may unintentionally breach confidentiality or fail to respect client boundaries. If the coach focuses primarily on telling the client what to do or how to do it (consulting mode) or if the conversation is based primarily in the past, particularly the emotional past (therapeutic mode).

How to Self-Assess Your Coaching

Demonstrates Ethical Practice

Missed: The student fails to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics, demonstrating a lack of awareness of ethical boundaries or client confidentiality. There may be breaches in trust or unprofessional behavior.

Partially: The student demonstrates some ethical behavior but shows gaps in maintaining confidentiality or respecting boundaries. The coach may address ethics reactively rather than proactively.

Thoroughly: The student fully embodies ethical practice, consistently maintaining confidentiality, boundaries, and professionalism. They are proactive in recognizing and handling ethical concerns.

Personal Reflection

Now that you have seen the definition, read the attributes of this competency and heard us talk about it.

Use the space below to reflect on the coaching session(s) you lead.

How have you demonstrated this competency in the past?
In what ways might you bring more of this competency behaviours into your coach approach?

Now proceed to NEXT to test your understanding with the quiz below.

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