Ethics and Integrity in Coaching
By Jerilyn Thiel PCC
Ethics and Integrity are cornerstones to a healthy and successful coaching business or any business for that matter.
Ethics deals with the professional manner with which we treat our clients and integrity is the internal gauge for running our business in a manner that showcases our values.
So how are you doing in the ethics department? Things such as: I will keep all sessions confidential. I will not get involved in a personal relationship with a client. In professional situations, I will conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively on the coaching profession. I will maintain, store and dispose of all client records in a way that ensures the clients confidentiality. It is each coach’s duty to seek out and follow ethical guidelines so that clients feel safe to do the personal work we ask them to do. It also ensures that the profession of coaching is building a solid and dependable reputation. And for me personally It’s important to know that any coach I go to, or any coach that I refer a client to, is following ethical standards.
The other cornerstone I mentioned was integrity. My definition of integrity is when my thoughts, words, and actions are in alignment with my beliefs and values. For example, are the words I’m sharing with a client the same words I believe to be true for myself? Do I say I believe in this client but secretly feel like their goals are too big for them? If one of my values is to be kind and respectful, is that exhibited in how I treat my clients and myself? Living in integrity takes a willingness to get really clear on what kind of human being you really want to be. Think about powerful people in your life; mentors, role models, etc. – do they exhibit behaviors that are in alignment with their message and their life? Can you draw from their example or will you use them as a gauge for how you want to do it differently?
I invite you to fully explore the power of ethics and integrity in your business. Define them for yourself. Decide how you will live and do business in a manner that fully reflects your intent and potential. Also consider how growing in each area will actually impact the success of your business. For it is my firm and solid belief that as we align and live in the highest manner our success is unlimited.
Jerilyn Thiel is a PCC with over 20 years of coaching experience. She has seen the profession of coaching grow into a powerful and professional model for assisting in the growth and transformation of lives all over the planet. She focuses her practice on relationships - the internal relationship with self, intimate relationships, close relationships with family and friends, and business relationships. Her passion is supporting people to connect with authenticity and integrity, while bringing more joy to each moment.
Source: http://www.yourpossibilities.com/
Email Jerilyn: JerilynThiel@comcast.net
