Chapter 3
Ethical Choice
An Outcome of Being, Becoming, and Doing
Objective
Imperative to the repertoire of all professional coaches is an awareness of and focus on the ethical dimensions and responsibilities of their role. Unfortunately, many individuals are unprepared, for various reasons, to deal with these issues as they arise. In ethical terms, this lack of preparedness and awareness can present problematic consequences that are not in the best interest of the client, the coach, or the coaching profession. To use best judgment and appropriate conduct with their clients, professional coaches need to realize that they will draw upon several factors (either consciously or unconsciously): their development as ethical and virtuous persons, their professional ethical identity, and their understanding and commitment to professional ethics (Handelsman, Gottlieb, & Knapp, 2005, p. 59).
Just as coaches have a responsibility to encourage clients’ self-discovery and hold clients accountable for their own lives and work, this chapter encourages a parallel process for coaches in their role as ethical agents (ICF, 2005). Several factors contribute to professionals as they choose an ethical course of action in their work; this chapter explores these factors and defines various concepts related to making ethical choices.
Introduction
As professionals, we make choices every day. Some of these choices are about who, and how, we will serve. ...