Purpose

This Code of Ethics incorporates the core values of McDonald Leadership Coaching (MLC Core Values) as a foundation to understanding the MLC Code of Ethics, ethical principles, and ethical standards of conduct.

The MLC Code of Ethics applies when people represent themselves as belonging within the MLC ecosystem and/or MLC professionals in their professional interactions.

The challenge of working ethically means that those within the MLC ecosystem will inevitably encounter situations that require responses to unexpected issues, resolution of dilemmas, and solutions to problems.

People within the MLC ecosystem strive to be ethical, even when doing so involves acting courageously and making difficult decisions that uphold the “DO GOOD” principle when it comes to their stakeholders.

The MLC Code applies to all individuals or entities falling within the MLC ecosystem. No individual or entity falling within the MLC ecosystem may opt out of any section or part of the Code, nor are they permitted to delete, modify, or amend any provisions within the Code.

• Setting the Standard: Acting ethically and responsibly in all professional interactions, ensuring integrity is at the core of their practice.
• Leading by Example: Upholding the highest standards, inspiring trust and respect in clients, peers, and the global coaching community.
• Accountability: Taking full responsibility for their professional decisions and actions as a member of MLC.
• Being Present: Fully engaging in every interaction, ensuring focus, care, and professionalism in each moment.
• Abiding by the Rules: Adhering to all applicable laws and regulations, wherever they practice.

Professionalism

A commitment to a coaching mindset and professional quality that encompasses responsibility, respect, integrity, competence, and excellence. 

I demonstrate professionalism by: 

• Ensuring my professional conduct is consistently aligned with the value of humanity and the coaching mindset competency in all my professional interactions. 
• Being true and accurate in my statements. 
• Committing to my life-long professional learning and personal development. 
• Supporting the ongoing personal and professional development of my clients, students, and professionals. 
• Delivering on my commitments. 
• Being aware of ethical dilemmas and issues and responding with adherence to the MLC Code of Ethics. 
• Adding to the knowledge base and sharing expertise and skills as described in the MLC Core Competencies. 
• Being resilient and confident when faced with challenges. 
• Behaving with respect and transparency in all business dealings related to coaching. 
• Making clear and accurate representations in all my professional interactions in relation to coaching. 
• Committing to honesty, courage, consistency of action, ethical practice, and the highest standards for MLC and the coaching profession. 

Collaboration

A commitment to developing social connection and community building.

I work collaboratively by:

• Making commitments and progress towards promoting professional coaching through fostering joint creativity and resourcefulness.
• Partnering with others, both within and across multiple social-identity groups.
• Being mindful and intentional in my own participation while working in any collective effort.
• Cooperating with other professionals working with client(s) and sponsor(s).
• Partnering and communicating with related professions, associations, and people in other coaching organizations and professions.

Humanity

A commitment to being humane, kind, compassionate, and respectful towards others.

I demonstrate humanity by:

• Accepting that, as humans, I am not meant to be perfect, and with a coaching mindset, expressing imperfections is an opportunity for me to spread a culture of openness and self-acceptance.
• Knowing I always have more to learn and being open to other points of view.
• Creating authentic relationships that support honesty, transparency, and clarity.
• Continuously seeking and developing self-awareness.
• Being willing to acknowledge and own my mistakes.
• Accepting responsibility for my actions and learning from them.
• Being modest about my achievements.
• Avoiding any behaviors or communication that suggest superiority in any way.
• Committing to inclusivity, dignity, self-worth, and human rights.

Equity

A commitment to using a coaching mindset to explore and understand the needs of others so I can practice equitable processes at all times that create equality for all.

I am equitable by:

• Recognizing and respecting all identity groups and their contributions.
• Treating everyone with the same dignity and sense of fairness.
• Bringing awareness to systemic patterns of conscious and unconscious biases in myself and in others.
• Exploring to understand and bring awareness to social diversity, systemic equality, and systemic oppression, and how they show up in the coaching profession.
• Maintaining equality and partnership in all my coach-client, trainer-student, mentor- coach, and supervisor-coach relationships.

As a Professional Coach, I:

Agreements for Client

1.1 Communicate (before coaching begins) with coaching client(s), sponsor(s), and/or other involved parties that the coach is in a direct relationship with to explain the nature of coaching and to co-create a coaching agreement regarding roles, responsibilities, confidentiality, financial arrangements, and other aspects of the coaching engagement.

1.2 Respect all parties’ right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point for any reason during the coaching engagement, subject to the provisions of the agreement.

Confidentiality and Legal Compliance

2.1 Maintain the strictest level of confidentiality with all parties involved, regardless of the role I am fulfilling.

2.2. Have a clear agreement about what information is exchanged and how it is exchanged among all parties involved during all coaching engagements.

2.3 Have a clear agreement with client(s), sponsor(s), and other involved parties about what confidential information may need to be disclosed to the appropriate authorities, e.g., illegal activity, required by law, valid court order or subpoena; or imminent/likely risk of danger to self or to others.

2.4 Maintain, store, and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security, and privacy, and complies with applicable laws and agreements.

2.5 Fulfill my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching client(s), sponsor(s), colleagues, and to the public at large directly and through any technology systems I may utilize (i.e. technology-assisted coaching tools, databases, platforms, software, and artificial intelligence).

2.6 Am responsible for my support personnel’s adherence to the relevant standards of the Code of Ethics.

2.7 Maintain the privacy of all coaching professionals and use of their contact information (email addresses, telephone numbers, and so on) only as authorized by the coaching professional.

2.8 Comply with copyright laws and recognize and honor the contributions and intellectual property of others, only claiming ownership of my own material.

Professional Conduct and Conflicts of Interest

3.1 Am aware of and discuss with all involved parties the implications of having multiple agreements and relationships, and the potential for conflicts of interest.

3.2 Manage conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest with coaching client(s) and sponsor(s) through self-reflection, coaching agreement(s), and ongoing dialogue. This includes addressing organizational roles, responsibilities, relationships, records, confidentiality, and other reporting requirements.

3.3 Resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or suspending or ending the professional relationship.

3.4 Hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern professional interactions, physical or otherwise.

3.5 Maintain fairness by being aware of my biases and addressing them so that I do not discriminate toward others based on race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, spiritual practice, ability, and other groups, classes, and categories of human differences.

3.6 Am mindful of the level of intimacy in the coaching relationship. I do not participate in any sexual or romantic relationship with client(s) or sponsor(s). If I detect a shift in the relationship, I take appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the coaching engagement.

3.7 Understand that MLC professionals often serve in multiple professional roles based on prior training and/or experience (i.e. mentor, therapist, HR specialist, assessor), and it is my responsibility to disclose to the client when I am acting in a capacity other than the role of an MLC professional.

3.8 Disclose to client(s) the information of compensation and benefits that have been paid/received or will be paid/received for referrals.

Commitment to Delivering Consistent Value

4.1 Am aware of and, in partnership with my client, actively manage any power or status differential between us that may be caused by cultural, relational, psychological, or contextual issues.

4.2 Recognize my personal limitations or circumstances that may impair my coaching performance or professional commitments. I will seek support if necessary, including relevant professional guidance. This may require suspending or terminating my coaching relationship(s).

4.3 Remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received from the coaching relationship and discuss this with the client. If appropriate, explore changes in the coaching relationship and/or the potential for a different coach, professional, or resource.

Professional Integrity and Accountability

5.1 Accurately identify my coaching qualifications and work within the boundaries of my level of coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, and certifications.

5.2 Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I offer as an MLC professional, what is offered by MLC, the coaching profession, and the potential value of coaching.

5.3 Adhere to the philosophy of “doing good” versus “avoiding bad,” recognizing the impact of my professional conduct on my clients, stakeholders, the coaching profession, and society.