An effective life coach adheres to a code of ethics that fosters a trusting relationship between client and coach. Clients will only have breakthroughs if they trust the person guiding them and helping them strive towards their goals. Certifications from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) come with a well-known understanding of the code of ethics, which is threaded throughout all ICF certification programs, which is why Life Purpose Institute builds and develops coaches using its programs exclusively. There is no better preparation for life coaching than participating in and completing the thoughtful, comprehensive training grounded in strong ethics, confidentiality, and honesty. Life coaching is a career of passion, and when it matters to give clients the best coaching they can have, being prepared and trained in the best programs should matter.
Three Principles of Coaching
When coaching others, there are standard ethical principles that must be followed to maintain the integrity of life coaching as a professional and to ensure a meaningful impact on the lives of those being coached. First, coaching must focus on the client’s well-being. In some cases, this means doing pro bono work or taking a lower fee. Life coaches will do just that with their clients – LIFE. Life can throw curveballs, and a client may face a financial challenge that limits what they can pay, but a life coach must adhere to the code of ethics and continue to focus on the client. This is not to say life coaches should work for free or continue to serve someone who has not intention of ever paying (this is also part of the comprehensive training offered at Life Purpose Institute as we prepare coaches for their careers and how to handle many possible scenarios because the professionals at Life purpose have the experience and knowledge to help others overcome these hurdles and make the best choice for their clients and themselves.
Second, it is essential to avoid harming clients and respect their decisions, even if it goes against what you advise. An effective coach earns their client’s trust, and their advice becomes part of the client’s decision-making process, but ultimately it is the individual’s choice. Sometimes, coaches without proper training can take this personal and become ineffective as a coach to that individual. Professional training and certifications equip coaches to maintain integrity throughout the coaching process.
The third principle is to build and maintain a trusting relationship with each client. Clients will not listen to what you say unless they trust you, and a strong code of ethics is what builds that trust. It is often misunderstood that the immense value of an internationally recognized and renowned certification in life coaching is. When people learn that a coach has ICF certifications, they know they have the training to give sound advice and can be trusted. Life Purpose Institute continues to support the best coaching and certification programs available.
Honoring Confidentiality
Confidentiality is absolutely critical in a career in life coaching. Regardless of your clientele, whether groups or individuals, women or men, in a personal or professional setting, confidentiality must remain a key component. A coach’s reputation and career depend on it. Clients must unequivocally trust that their stories and struggles are protected, which is why one of the principles is maintaining professional relationships with all clients. Coaches and clients can become very close over time, but it is critical not to form attachments to clients. Coaches should not discuss their personal lives or problems, and sessions should remain professional. Although a client may become familiar and almost feel like a friend over time, maintaining confidentiality is vital and should not be breached unless it is considered life-threatening or falls under one of the other exceptions as determined by ICF.
As trust builds and clients share their personal struggles, a coach may face an ethical dilemma. In a corporate coaching setting, a client may share that they are stealing from the company. Should the coach tell the company, or does this fall under confidentiality? Establishing confidentiality terms and guidelines helps clients understand the privacy standards their coach will adhere to. These situations are critical to the coaching experience, which is why the coach and client should complete certifications that enable them to provide professional services and navigate their careers with excellence. Experience builds confidence, and coaches who have been in the field for a while often have the confidence, training, and knowledge to make those decisions on a case-by-case basis. In the earlier stages, working with your mentor team at Life Purpose Institute can help overcome some of the challenges of coaching.
If you want to start a career in life coaching, Life Purpose Institute offers comprehensive plans to get you there! We support International Coaching Federation certification programs and walk coaches through every step to get their first clients. Contact us today or sign up for a free class and find out more about coaching!