Law and Ethics in Coaching

"This book provides an easy-to-read introduction to the core ethical and professional issues faced by all coaches irrespective of length of coaching experience. The case studies and guidelines in this book will help coaches constructively reflect on their coaching practice, and will help build the solid ethical foundation that professional coaching practice demands. A very useful text for both the beginning and experienced coach." --Anthony M. Grant, PhD, Director, Coaching Psychology Unit, University of Sydney "Pat Williams is quickly becoming the authority on the ethics of the coaching profession. He brings his full integrity and passion to this wonderful book. Do not overlook the importance of this book to your success." --Laura Berman Fortgang, MCC, pioneer in the coaching field and author of Take Yourself to the Top and Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction The first comprehensive book covering ethical and legal guidelines for personal and executive coaches As coaching grows into a unique and fully established profession, coaches are already discovering and dealing with the special ethical and legal dilemmas that can arise in the coaching context. Law and Ethics in Coaching presents the first comprehensive look at ethical and legal issues in coaching. From coach-client conflicts to conflicts of interest, from assessments to informed consent, the authors detail the breadth of ethical quandaries in coaching and provide highly practical advice for avoiding problems--and for solving them. With contributions from leaders in law, ethics, and coaching, the text includes coverage of: * The emergence of the coaching profession and its intersection with ethics and law * Foundations of ethics for professions * Making ethical choices * Getting, growing, and measuring coaching ability * Developing and maintaining client trust * Multiple-role relationships in coaching * Ethical use of assessments in coaching * Legal issues and solutions for coaches * The intersection of culture and ethics in organizations * Coaching into the future Filled with a dynamic blend of case studies, discussion questions, illuminating quotes, and other examples, Law and Ethics in Coaching is both a trailblazing professional reference and an unparalleled textbook for coaching programs.

Patrick Williams, EdD, Mcc, is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Life Coach Training. Dr. Williams is the Chairperson of the Coaching Psychology Department of The International University for Professional Studies and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Coach Federation. A leader in professional coaching, Dr. Williams has made significant contributions to this evolving field and has coauthored Therapist as Life Coach: Transforming Your Practice and Total Life Coaching: 50+ Life Lessons, Skills, and Techniques to Enhance Your Practice . . . and Your Life. Sharon K. Anderson, PhD, is Associate Professor at Colorado State University and has professional experience as a mental health practitioner and a counselor educator. Dr. Anderson teaches in the area of ethical issues in counseling and has published nine articles and/or book chapters related to the area of ethical and legal issues in psychotherapy.

About the Contributors. Preface. 1. The Profession of Coaching: Its Emergence and Intersection with Ethics and Law (Patrick Williams). 2. Foundations of Professional Ethics (Karen Colby Weiner). 3. Ethical Choice: An Outcome of Being, Becoming and Doing (Sharon K. Anderson, Heather T. Wagoner, and G. Kurt Moore). 4. Competence: Getting, Growing, and Measuring Coaching Ability (Margaret Krigbaum). 5. Developing and Maintaining Client Trust: Professional Focus, Clear Agreements, and Confidentiality (Dolly M. Garlo). 6. Multiple-Role Relationships in Coaching (Ofer Zur and Sharon K. Anderson). 7. Ethical Use of Assessments in Coaching (Debra Robinson). 8. Legal Issues and Solutions for Coaches (William H. Lindberg and Andrew R. Desmond). 9. The Intersection of Culture and Ethics (Marilyn O'Hearne and Charles Hamrick). 10. Coaching to Come (Patrick Williams, William H. Lindberg, and Sharon K. Anderson). Appendix A: ICF Code of Ethics. Appendix B: Professional Coaching Language for Greater Public Understanding (David Mathew Prior). Index.