The Ethical Coaches’ Handbook

"This is a timely book for coaching practitioners concerned with the everyday ethical challenges posed by our work in an increasingly turbulent world. Far too often ethics in coaching is given a single chapter at the end of a coaching handbook. This book puts ethics at the core of coaching not only as a professional practice but also more broadly as a social practice with concomitant social, eco-systemic responsibilities. It fulfils its promise to move away from the normal view of professional ethics with its focus solely on decision making assuming instead ethics is more than doing. Rather it is about the development of ethical maturity as a way of being. It acknowledges that ethics, in the face of persistent injustices and climate emergency, must go beyond the Eurocentric perspective of the isolated individual ‘I’ to encompass the relational ethical awareness needed to navigate cultural difference, race, the ecological crisis and under-pinning power dynamics of domination, and privilege. Importantly it provides practical models and case studies to bring the theoretical and philosophical dimensions of ethics to life. This is a very welcome publication which pushes conventional boundaries of ethics in coaching practice."

Charmaine Roche. Executive Coach, Accredited Coach Supervisor. PhD researcher, Leeds Beckett University

"In a decade’s time, I envision the coaching profession will be as widely-respected as any other major industry. A relentless focus on ethics is paramount to getting there. The Ethical Coaches’ Handbook is a vital step in that direction, featuring a vast compilation from many of the industry’s most respected thought leaders. Our field is grateful for this contribution!"

Brian O. Underhill, Ph.D., PCC. Founder and CEO, CoachSource

"A superb read and a much needed addition to the evidence-based literature on coaching! It is exciting to be part of the growth of coaching worldwide, but in order to be taken seriously as practitioners, coaches need to reflect, deepen and expand their knowledge of the ethical aspects of this fast-growing helping profession. That's why we need this book! With a wide range of essays on ethics in coaching -- technology, culture, team dynamics, feedback and more -- this book is a must-read for any coach who is committed to working ethically in an increasingly complex world. Bravo!"

Jeffrey W. Hull, PhD, BCC, Executive Director, Institute of Coaching, a Harvard Medical School Affiliate

"An exciting book for coaches offering a rich diversity of chapters in four sections. Ethical maturity as an integral aspect of professional development for coaches is finally being given the attention it deserves in this bumper guidebook, that offers a wealth of topics and perspectives around ethical thinking in all its complexity as a key part of everyday coaching practice. Chapters on offer include topics on ethical foundations and frameworks, chapters on ethical practices and the psychological contract within coaching, a fascinating variety of topics on ‘pushing the boundaries of conventional ethical thinking’ and a set of useful case studies. I recommend this as a practical resource for coaches at all stages of training and experience who are keen to advance their professionalism and coaching maturity."

Dr Ceri M Sims. Centre for Positive Psychology, Director of Positive Minds Alliance Ltd

"Ethics feeling increasing confusing in the quagmire of cultural relativism and woke self-righteous imposing one way of thinking on everyone. When coaching others, the confusion is contagious to our clients. This collection of essays help to clear the fog. It helps us do the right thing, for the right reason in the right way."

Richard E. Boyatzis, PhD Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University. Author of best selling Primal Leadership and Helping People Change

"Ethics is what defines coaching. Ethical practice is essential for a successful engagement between a coach and a client and other stakeholders. As it is more an art than a science. This guide is such a useful tool for coaches and clients alike and a fantastic addition to the coaching body of knowledge. With contributions from so many amazing coaches and scholars, this book is a "must read" for everyone engaged with coaching!"

Magdalena Nowicka Mook. CEO, International Coaching Federation, United States

"Coaches and Supervisors committed to reflective practice and their continuing development will welcome this book.The breadth of the inquiry both mirrors and supports the growing interest for a more considered approach to ethics as a profession and a more subtle ethical-intelligence as individual practitioners.Against the backdrop of the individual and societal challenges we face, how do we move beyond the guardrails of ethical codes to find new ways of being in question together?"

Ant Mitchell Chair, APECS (Association for Professional Executive Coaching & Supervision)

"What’s beautiful and inspiring about Ethics in Coaching is that we learn that ethics are ever-present, like the air we breathe. Adapting a key passage: In our daily quest to draw out the good and right in our relationships, our behaviors become an active demonstration of our ethics – our moral values in action."

Margaret Moore, MBA, Executive coach. Co-Founder & Chair, Institute of Coaching, Founder & CEO Wellcoaches Corporation

"At a time when the world is facing increasing challenges, this book offers a roadmap for the ethical questions facing coaches."

Dr David Drake, The Moment Institute

"The editors have brought together a broad range of experts from across the coaching field and beyond to create an authoritative and timely resource. I can see this book having a significant positive impact on the professionalism and ethics of coaching for decades to come."

Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburg. Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology, Centre for Positive Psychology and Health. Dublin / Ireland

"With the rise in popularity of coaching as an intervention, especially after what the world has experienced in the last few years, it has become more important that coaching psychologists particularly get clearer about their ethics and values and boundaries. With many things getting more complex, it’s more critical to get clarity for oneself. This books serves as an important guide for practitioners, containing voices and thoughts from some of the leading thinkers in the area of coaching and coaching psychology. Highly recommended."

Mongezi C Makhalima, PhD. Chartered Coach (ABCCCP), South Africa