A common ethical trap coaches need to be aware of

Posted on: 20 Nov 2024

Number ten in the ICF Code of Ethics states that professional coaches must be “sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) at the same time in order to avoid conflict of interest situations.”

 

While all ICF coaches accept and agree to this principle, few fully grasp the implications. As a result, they run the risk of falling into the trap of coaching people with whom they share another relationship, such as a family member, friend or colleague, without knowing how to effectively manage multiple relationships.

 

Indeed, when coaches encounter the complexity of managing multiple relationships, many prefer to keep their coaching relationships simple by keeping them single. Unfortunately, this motto also means that giving the gift of coaching to a loved one, something which helping professions tend to do, also becomes a no-go.

 

 

To overcome this dilemma, twice a year ReciproCoach offers coaches the opportunity to give coaching to a loved one, without having to bear the responsibility and risk of managing multiple relationships by coaching them ourselves. By joining one of our Gift Coaching rounds, you may give your assigned peer coach to a loved one, and coach a fellow ReciproCoach’s loved one in return. That means your loved one can receive the gift of coaching from you, without having to run the risk of being coached by you!

 

Our next gift rounds are happening in December and April. Registrations for Special Gift Coaching (2024/12) close on Sunday December 15, just in time for matching to be completed before Christmas, giving your loved one a coach to start the New Year with.