My Coaching Ethics - Yes, really!

I'm posting my ethics on my web site so you-and anyone else who might be interested in hiring me as a coach-can learn a little more about me, and where I'm coming from. While coaching often holds surprises, my ethics shouldn't be one of them.

1. Everything you say to me will be held in strictest confidence. I won't even talk to my cats about our sessions (even though they occasionally offer commentary.) However, if there is an issue I feel I need help with, I may, with your permission, discuss the situation in general with my mentor coach or colleagues. Unfortunately, there is no legal protection for our conversations, so I would honor a subpoena or other court request for information if the situation ever arises. Also, if I feel that you are endangering your life or someone else's, I will contact the police or other appropriate agency.

2. As my client, I know that you are creative, resourceful, and whole. You are not broken; there is nothing that needs to be "fixed." I believe that you hold all the answers within you, and that you can attain whatever success you envision. I only work with people I trust, respect, and believe in. That means I trust, respect and believe in you.

3. I am your advocate and partner in designing your life the way you want it to be. The agenda of our coaching sessions and our coaching relationship is your agenda. My focus is on you.

4. I will not break the law for you, nor will I aid or abet you in breaking the law.

5. The only payments I will receive for coaching you are the fees we have agreed upon. I do not accept third party payers, (i.e., insurance), nor do I work on any kind of commission.

6. If there is a conflict of interest between us, or even the possibility of one, we will discuss that openly. I may be unable to coach you in that situation, in which case, I will recommend another coach.

7. Occasional issues may arise which are best addressed by another type of professional (consultant, therapist, financial planner, etc.), in which case, I will recommend you seek out such assistance.

8. Coaching may address specific personal projects, business success, or general conditions in the client's life or profession. While coaching is intimate and personal, it is not therapy or counseling. I am not a trained or licensed therapist, and have no intent to practice therapy of any kind with you, although the coaching relationship itself is often therapeutic.

9. As coaching is a natural, organic process, there will come a time when our relationship will need to come to an end. When we agree that you are no longer receiving benefit from our coaching relationship, we will work together to clarify your next steps in continuing your process of growth and exploration.

Personal Guidelines for my Practice

10. I will honor and respect the coaching profession and my fellow coaches. I will not knowingly do anything to detract from that profession.

11. I will honor all copyright laws, and will not plagiarize others' materials.

12. I will not coach while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or when my facilities are impaired.

13. I will not perform any kind of sexual act with my clients, nor will I make any inappropriate suggestions or invitations. (Zen hugs are OK.)

14. When coaching, I will give my full attention and intention to my client. I will not do anything else at the same time.

15. Coaching can be-and often is-as intimate as sex. Therefore I won't coach anybody without their express consent.

If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Please email me at Lynn@ManageYourMuse.com