"This book provides an easy-to-read introduction to the core ethical and professional issues faced by all coaches irrespective of length of coaching experience. The case studies and guidelines in this book will help coaches constructively reflect on their coaching practice, and will help build the solid ethical foundation that professional coaching practice demands. A very useful text for both the beginning and experienced coach."
—Anthony M. Grant, PhD, Director, Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney
"Pat Williams is quickly becoming the authority on the ethics of the coaching profession. He brings his full integrity and passion to this wonderful book. Do not overlook the importance of this book to your success."
—Laura Berman Fortgang, MCC, pioneer in the coaching field and author of Take Yourself to the Top and Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction
The first comprehensive book covering ethical and legal guidelines for personal and executive coaches
As coaching grows into a unique and fully established profession, coaches are already discovering and dealing with the special ethical and legal dilemmas that can arise in the coaching context. Law and Ethics in Coaching presents the first comprehensive look at ethical and legal issues in coaching. From coach-client conflicts to conflicts of interest, from assessments to informed consent, the authors detail the breadth of ethical quandaries in coaching and provide highly practical advice for avoiding problems—and for solving them.
With contributions from leaders in law, ethics, and coaching, the text includes coverage of:
- The emergence of the coaching profession and its intersection with ethics and law
- Foundations of ethics for professions
- Making ethical choices
- Getting, growing, and measuring coaching ability
- Developing and maintaining client trust
- Multiple-role relationships in coaching
- Ethical use of assessments in coaching
- Legal issues and solutions for coaches
- The intersection of culture and ethics in organizations
- Coaching into the future
Filled with a dynamic blend of case studies, discussion questions, illuminating quotes, and other examples, Law and Ethics in Coaching is both a trailblazing professional reference and an unparalleled textbook for coaching programs.
Table of Contents
About the Contributors
Preface
- The Profession of Coaching: Its Emergence and Intersection with Ethics and Law
- Foundations of Professional Ethics
- Ethical Choice: An Outcome of Being, Becoming and Doing
- Competence: Getting, Growing, and Measuring Coaching Ability
- Developing and Maintaining Client Trust: Professional Focus, Clear Agreements, and Confidentiality
- Multiple-Role Relationships in Coaching
- Ethical Use of Assessments in Coaching
- Legal Issues and Solutions for Coaches
- The Intersection of Culture and Ethics
- Coaching to Come
Appendix A: ICF Code of Ethics
Appendix B: Professional Coaching Language for Greater Public Understanding
Index
