Ethics Q & A
A: The ICF Code of Ethics directs us to
avoid both conflicts and potential conflicts
of interest in our engagements. Because
organizations are complex and interwoven
systems of people, teams and groups, the
issue of conflicts is more challenging in a
corporate setting and is best addressed
in your contract with the company before
you begin coaching. Questions that need
to be answered include:
• Who is your primary client?
• What is your relationship and
responsibility to other potential clients
and to your sponsor in the company?
naddi/Shutterstock.com
• What are the levels of confidentiality
that are appropriate, given the
responsibilities and needs of the
organization as a whole?
A Complex Web
Q: For the last year, I’ve been
coaching Joan, the vice-president
of marketing for a mid-sized
Jane M. Faulkner, PCC
A highly respected coach
and sought-after leadership
consultant in Seattle, Jane
helps a diverse range of
clients transform challenges
into signature strengths
and leadership mastery. As
a Leadership and Executive
Coach, she works with
professionals, emerging
leaders, executives and
business owners in the areas
of leadership development,
team building, communication
and conflict management. She
serves on ICF’s Independent
Review Board. She is a
Certified Professional Co-active
Coach. Learn more at
janefaulkner.net.
16 Coaching World
corporation. Joan has been open
with her colleagues and subordinates
about her decision to receive
coaching, and has spoken highly
of its benefits. As a result of her
testimonials, I’ve been approached
by several other members of the
organization who would like to
receive coaching, including Dominic,
the director of public relations and
one of Joan’s direct reports. Would
it be ethically appropriate for me
to coach Dominic? What about
contracting with other members of
the organization?
In order to be the best possible coach
for Dominic and co-create with him an
environment of trust, confidentiality,
openness and curiosity, do you need to
be clear of inner or outer conflicts that
might arise from coaching his boss? Even
if you disclose all potential conflicts to
Dominic and commit to removing yourself
as coach should a conflict arise, will he
be served by this arrangement? Does he
want his coaching ɕ