Becoming a Life Coach
Standards, Practices and Ethics Pledge

I pledge to pursue my calling with the highest level of ethics. I will put my Client’s Interests ahead of my own, and pledge to serve them with integrity and competence. I pledge to:

Honor the Coach-Client Agreement

Agree and honor the terms and conditions of the engagement, which will include confirming receipt of payment on request, providing the time, frequency and method of communications the Client requested and assurance that unused Coaching fees are returned promptly if a Client elects to stop or suspend my services.

Respect My Limits

Coach only in my area of competence, where legally permitted to practice, and in matters that will provide real benefit to my Clients. I will not guarantee specific results such as the amount of cost reduction or profit increase. If necessary, I will refer Clients to another specialist, such as a therapist, counselor, lawyer, financial planner or investment advisor.

Conflicts of Interest

Coaches serving a particular class of Client (e.g. a single industry), or two or more known competitors, must disclose the fact to each Client. Assuming the affected parties give approval, the Coach should then take extraordinary precautions to avoid passing sensitive information between and amongst competing Clients. When potentially competitive issues arise during Coaching, the Coach should clarity the level of confidentiality the Client places on the information, and act accordingly.

Confidentiality

Information entrusted me by Clients will be treated confidentially, and I will also advise my Client of any circumstances which might influence my judgement or objectivity. Clients should be aware that communications between Coach and Client are not considered privileged under the law, and court testimony may be required if a subpoena is served.

Be Respectful and Constructive

Respect my Client’s needs and wishes, ensure they are honored; and, do not presume a Client’s endorsement without obtaining explicit approval. Listen carefully to what the Client says or means; promptly respond to calls, faxes and electronic mail (when asked for a response) and, be constructive and honest at all times.

Be Coachable

Always respond positively to Coaching from Clients.

Be Professional

Maintain the relationship on a professional basis. Associations that will reduce my objectivity, especially those of a romantic nature, are incompatible with a Coach’s professional role and will cause me to end the Coach Client relationship.

Maintain Professional Distance

Not invest capital in or make loans to my Client’s business or projects unless both parties develop formal, written and legally supported agreements.

Maintain Clear Financial Agreements

Identify clearly and in writing any compensation or rewards that are contingent on the Client reaching certain targets and/or measurable results flowing from the Coaching relationship.