ICF Core Competency 1: Demonstrates Ethical Practice

In 2021, the International Coach Federation began following the updated ICF Coaching Core Competency Model. This official interview of Dr. Frances Penafort, MCC, provides an in-depth explanation of Section A. Number 1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice.

A. Foundation
1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Definition: Understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards of coaching
1. Demonstrates personal integrity and honesty in interactions with clients, sponsors and relevant
stakeholders
2. Is sensitive to clients' identity, environment, experiences, values, and beliefs
3. Uses language appropriate and respectful to clients, sponsors, and relevant stakeholders
4. Abides by the ICF Code of Ethics and upholds the Core Values
5. Maintains confidentiality with client information per stakeholder agreements and pertinent laws
6. Maintains the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy, and other support
professions
7. Refers clients to other support professionals, as appropriate

Do you have any questions, tips, or ideas about the first core competency? Let us know in the comments!

[paulaadlerlifeleadershipcoach]

Many thanks for taking the time to create this series of videos. Having the Competencies come to life through the videos is very supportive (vs. solely reading the Competencies).

[gyatastormon]

I just watched this series as I prepare for my Coach Knowledge Assessment. It's engaging and informative. A+ I particularly enjoyed the speakers from many different countries and Brighton's enthusiasm as he held the presentation together.

[celinesharpe]

For someone like me who is primarily an Auditory learner, I am enjoying watching videos and hearing the competencies being talked about. I am learning so much more thanks to videos rather than just content to read. Thank you!

[carolsabia]

This series is great and clearly explains what's expected from each ICF competency and what it looks like at the various levels of ACC, PCC, and MCC coaching. Great pace, facilitation, information, and examples!

[govindrajtungenwar]

I love this series of videos created and shared by ICF. Thank you for putting this series.

[raziakhatoon]

Thank you so much Brighton West and ICF for bringing this series and covering all the topics so comprehensively!
It brings clarity to the concepts.

[parmarbk]

Thanks for the series - for understanding the new ICF Core Competency Model for Coaching..

[yoginitin]

Great job on making this video focused and insightful!

[magleahy]

Clean and clear - thanks so much for inspiring and educating us.

[YohannesBertaTesfaye]

is good just watched this series as I prepare for my Coach Knowledge Assessment. It's engaging and informative

[patrickwilliams]

This is fabulous. Look what we created way back when. Well done

[arshutova]

Thank you! This is very important for me!

[janicebge]

Thank you for this series of videos and the clarity it brings.

[adijatolanikeakinyemi]

Thank you so much for this video it is life changing

[albaraffaelli]

En el ejemplo que pone la colega, no se considera qué pudo haberle pasado a la Coach por lo cual llegase tarde a una sesión previamente agendada. ¿Pudo haberse sentido mal? ¿ Pudo haber tenido un accidente que le impidió avisar a tiempo a su Cliente? Desde mi mirada es precipitado realizar tal juicio sin tener más información. Del mismo modo, si hubiese sido el Cliente quien no se presentó a tiempo a la sesión. Ahora bien, si esto ocurre de manera reiterada, entonces tal vez podríamos inferir un tema de profesionalismo. Pero no a priori y con la información que se cuenta en el ejemplo.

[tzongyih]

Hi, I am Sim from China, can I download this series of videos and share with China coaches?

It is because they can't use YouTube, and my share is free, not for business, I want got your approved, thanks.

[asracoach]

Thank you for the series. I however feel that the example given about the Muslim women is offensive. The assumptions made are undermining and do not reflect in any way the Muslim culture. Yes the coach had a non ethical behaviour - but it was non ethical vis a vis anyone. Regarding the dog, the coach should have asked permission regardless of the client religion. A a Muslim, I personally felt offended by these comments.

[elizabethahmann]

Where do we find the videos on the code of ethics itself?

[lisiannehoch]

I never comment on videos but I felt uneasy hearing about the example where the client is Muslim and complained because the coach was not respecting their face-to-face agreement and brought their dog to another session. I am curious to understand why does the religious affiliation/belief of the client matter in this example? It seemed irrelevant information to showcase the unprofessional behaviour of the coach. I am not Muslim and I would have complained too if our coaching agreement was not respected by my coach. I feel this example may lead to wrong assumptions about the Muslim community. Can someone explain if I am missing something here?

[natush]

A coach not appearing or appearing late for a session is not unethical practice, it is just unprofessional.