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Coaching helps people get a clearer vision of their future and understand how to use their strengths to turn that vision into reality. Coaching involves conversations where the client gains new awareness, leading to fresh solutions and opportunities. It has roots in various fields like leadership studies, psychology, sociology, neuroscience, and education.

A coach doesn’t give advice but focuses on helping the client find their own solutions. The coach manages the process by asking clear and powerful questions, guiding the client to the core of the issue.

Coaching is like putting together a puzzle. The goal is to fit a few pieces at each session until the big picture becomes clear. This picture is often new, refreshing, and energizing because the client’s dreams and expectations are transformed into clear goals with action plans.

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Coaching focuses on helping clients achieve specific goals by guiding them to find their own solutions. Coaching looks primarily towards future possibilities.

Psychotherapy addresses emotional healing and mental health challenges, often exploring past experiences.

Mentoring involves sharing expertise and advice, with the mentor often acting as a role model for the mentee.

In coaching, the client is the person being coached and working towards personal or professional goals.

The sponsor is someone who funds or arranges the coaching, like an employer, but isn't the direct recipient of the coaching services.

In 1-on-1 coaching, the client and sponsor are often the same person.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics outlines the core values and ethical principles that guide professional coaching. It emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and respect in all coaching interactions. The Code is structured into five main parts:

1. Purpose. This section explains the purpose of the Code, which is to uphold the integrity of the coaching profession and provide a framework for ethical decision-making. It also highlights the expanded scope, applying to all individuals within the ICF Ecosystem, including volunteers and staff.

2. ICF Core Values and Ethical Principles. The core values — Professionalism, Collaboration, Humanity, and Equity — are accompanied by behavioral examples, illustrating how these values are demonstrated in practice.

3. Commitments for All Within the ICF Ecosystem. This section outlines the commitments expected from all individuals within the ICF Ecosystem, emphasizing ethical behavior, accountability, and adherence to the "Do Good" principle in their professional roles

4. Ethical Standards. This section is reorganized into five categories: Agreements, Confidentiality, Professional Conduct, Value Delivery, and Integrity & Accountability. It provides detailed guidelines on topics such as managing conflicts of interest, promoting equity and inclusion, and using technology responsibly.

5. Pledge. Coaches commit to adhering to the Code and upholding its principles, including fostering ethical growth through self-reflection and education.

Additionally, the ICF Code of Ethics includes an Appendix with Key Definitions and an expanded Glossary, with over 40 terms, such as "Coaching Platforms," "AI," and "Conflict of Interest," ensuring clarity and shared understanding among professionals.

The ICF Code of Ethics serves as a vital resource for coaches, helping them navigate complex situations while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct. The current ICF Code of Ethics went into effect on April 1, 2025. You can explore the full Code here.