Coaching is a vital part of empowering individuals, organizations, and institutions.  However, coaching is also embedded with ambiguities and ethical dilemmas.  To ensure our QCS coaches meet high standards, this code of conduct forms the foundation of our coaching activities.
​
1. Integrity and Professionalism
  • I will demonstrate honesty, respect, and accountability in all interactions
  • I will maintain clear and professional boundaries with clients, refraining from any conflicts of interest
  • I will represent qualifications, certifications, and competencies accurately without exaggeration or misleading claims
  • I will transparently disclose any conflicts of interest that may impact a client or coaching relationship to QCS leadership as soon as possible

2. Confidentiality
  • I will safeguard all client information, ensuring confidentiality is maintained unless consent is granted or disclosure is required by law
  • I will use client information only for purposes agreed upon, avoiding unauthorized sharing
  • I will transparently explain the limitations of confidentiality, clearly communicating that legal requirements, attorney-client privilege, and doctor-patient confidentiality do not apply to coaching interactions
  • When providing services to a client or entity at the request of a third party, I will clarify the nature of the relationship with each party up front and the expectations for information sharing, placing the client's privacy and well-being as the priority

3. Respect for Clients
  • I will honor the dignity, autonomy, and individual perspectives of each client
  • I will avoid discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics
  • I will take steps to recognize my own bias and take steps to mitigate its impact on the client experience
  • I will create an inclusive coaching environment, recognizing the limitations of my own perspectives
  • I will guard against personal, financial, social, organizational, or political factors that might lead to misuse of influence

4. Competence and Continuous Improvement
  • I will deliver services only within areas of expertise or competence, seeking guidance or referrals when necessary
  • I will engage in continuous learning and professional development to maintain high standards of coaching and industry standards
  • I will take reasonable steps to support client progress, and in cases where there is no progress, strive to limit any harm to the client
  • I will ensure that all coaching relationships are governed by a QCS coaching agreement

5. Transparent Communication
  • I will establish clear agreements with clients regarding goals, expectations, and outcomes
  • I will be transparent about fees, services, and any potential risks or limitations
  • I will clearly and transparently communicate any financial expectations before coaching begins
  • I will openly and honestly differentiate between coaching and other types of professional activity, including, but not limited to, training, mentoring, therapy, and consulting
  • I will deliver advertising and communications that are truthful, transparent, and accurately reflect

6. Avoiding Harm
  • I will act in the best interests of the client and avoid causing physical, emotional, or financial harm
  • I will recognize and respect the vulnerability of clients, providing support without exploiting or manipulating their circumstances
  • I will be familiar with and prepared to execute mental and physical health emergency protocols, placing the well-being of team members and clients as our first priority
  • I will refrain from romantic or sexual relationships with any QCS coaching client, including but not limited to sexual harassment, advances, solicitation, or verbal or nonverbal conduct of a sexual nature with coaching clients

7. Accountability
  • I will accept responsibility for any misconduct and take corrective action when necessary
  • I will encourage feedback from clients and colleagues to improve the quality of services
  • I will refrain from activities in which it appears likely that coaching outcomes or resources will be misused by the coach or others, reporting such concerns to QCS leadership
  • I will appropriately document work to facilitate the client's continued growth and the opportunity to provide QCS services in the future

Contact

Have questions?  We can help!  Contact us to learn more.