As a member
of the International Coach Federation, I absolutely subscribe
to their Code of Ethics. Therefore, I promise you that I will:
1. Establish Sound
Contracts and Business Practices
Establish, agree and honor the terms and conditions of the engagement.
Provide specifics that include such items as 1. payment terms;
2. time, frequency, and method of communications; 3. definition
of services to be rendered; and 4. an agreement of the terms.
Upon establishing this agreement, ensure that I operate out of
sound business procedures (e.g., record keeping, how I do business
in general).
2. Establish My
Professional Competencies.
Set forth the areas of competencies I have achieved. Include my
coaching training, education and credentials. Make sure that I
have acquired high levels of competencies and have practiced sufficiently
to do the work I am hired to do.
3. Adhere to the
Limits of My Expertise
Coach only in my area of competence and where legally permitted
to practice. Refer individuals to other specialists, such as financial
planners, investment advisors, lawyers, doctors, and therapists,
as needed.
4. Guarantee Confidentiality
within Boundaries
Guarantee the confidentiality of information that the person being
coached entrusts to me. Advise them of any circumstances that
might influence my judgment or objectivity. Specify situations
where confidentiality may be interrupted (e.g., legal subpoena,
violation of federal law, company policy, etc.). This is particularly
important when being hired for a company and working individually
with the employee. Both the individual and I must be clear about
the boundaries of confidentiality.
5. Be Respectful
and Constructive
Respect the individual's needs, wishes, and differences. Make
sure each person is honored and that I am constructive and honest
with him or her at all times.
6. Respond Quickly
and Responsibly
Set my own agenda aside in order to listen fully to what the individual
says or means. Promptly respond in the moment of the coaching.
Respond promptly as well to phone calls, faxes, or electronic
mail and any request that the person being coached may make of
me. Promise only those things that I fully intend to provide,
then follow through.
7. Be professional
at All Times
Maintain the relationship on a professional basis. Associations
that reduce objectivity (e.g., those of a romantic nature) are
incompatible with a coach's professional role and will cause an
end to the trustful coaching relationship.
8. Maintain Appropriate
Distance
The coach does not invest capital in or make loans to the individual's
business or projects unless both parties develop formal, written,
and legally supported agreements. Even in the case of a formal
agreement, I am aware that the coaching relationship may change.
9. Be a Model
Conduct personal and professional affairs with high standards
and integrity so as to be a model for my clients and other coaches.
I must live fully the values and beliefs I espouse to assure that
those engaging my services may receive full value. Anything less
is not coaching.
10. Be Coachable
Myself
All masterful coaches have coaches themselves. I must continue
to learn, grow and stretch just as I am asking my clients to do.
I am willing to learn from those I coach as well.
Penny
Powers
