Ethical Guidelines

When we are working with executives in the area of employee selection, whether a new hire or an internal promotion, we are wearing our consulting hat.  Also, when we are delivering leadership workshops or training-the-trainer in embracing our Leading From Resonance™ Leadership Model, we are also wearing our consulting hat.

We have a depth of experience, up-to-date knowledge and a proven track record in these two areas. We have developed methodology that can be effectively integrated into existing working environments.  We are confident we can guide dramatic shifts away from dissonance and towards resonance in organizational cultures when the client is irrevocably committed to that shift.  However, we are quite clear about what can be accomplished within a defined scope of work and are careful to never over promise or encourage unrealistic expectations.

When we encounter a situation beyond our expertise, we are quick to recommend, and involve, those who are more qualified to meet the requirements of the situation.

Our Approach to Coaching Relationships

When working with executives, either individually (Individual Relationship Coaching) or as a group (Organizational Relationship Coaching), we wear our coaching hat and the dynamics shift.  The client-coach relationship is more personal than the consulting relationship.  Also, this relationship is more of a peer-to-peer relationship: the coach does not in any way claim to have “the answers” or know what is “right.”  A successful coaching relationship involves a degree of vulnerability few executives, male or female, have often experienced or sustained.

It matters not whether we are working with individuals or a group within the organization, the relationship is guided by the following practices:

The client is naturally creative, resourceful and whole.
No one is "broken", so no one needs to be "fixed."  While the coaching experience may be healing in some profound ways, it is NOT therapy.  In coaching, the clients take responsibility for their thoughts, actions and choices.

Coaching is not about "changing" anyone.
It’s not possible to change anyone, and if it were, why would you want to? Coaching is about expanding one's self-awareness.  We may choose to change some attitudes, beliefs, or perspectives that are not serving us well.  We may choose to abandon some behaviors that are short-circuiting our Vital Life Energy. But, this does not change who we truly are.  Quite the contrary, intentionally selected behavioral "change" reveals more of our magnificent, authentic self; it makes our true Identity more easily seen, appreciated and acknowledged.

The client-coach relationship is wholly confidential (except as limited by law).
This relationship is grounded in a high level of psychological safety: "Temenos." Temenos is a Greek word describing a place "so safe, warriors can remove their armor."  This singular confidential relationship exists even when a client's employer is paying for the service.

The coaching relationship is defined by the Co-Active Alliance which keeps the relationship focused on the client's agenda with honesty, openness and trust.
The dynamics of a healthy client-coach relationship are not always comfortable.  In "forwarding the action" or "deepening the learning", consistent with the client's agenda, we often must insist that the client deal with issues that have long been avoided.  This process creates tension, discomfort, but, eventually, growth. Carrying through on replacing short-circuited behaviors, attitudes or perspectives, with full-functioning circuits that bring expression to one's Vital Life Energy, is never easy or comfortable.

A Coach is not your friend.
The client-coach relationship, while warm and intimate, must remain free of friendship (or emotional) involvement that interferes with effective coaching.  Both the client and coach have the responsibility to acknowledge a coaching relationship that is becoming contaminated or impaired by friendship.

The International Coach Federation Code of Ethics.
Additionally, we are guided by the ICF Code of Ethics.
Click here to read or download a copy.

Our Promise

Whenever a client, for any reason, is not satisfied with any aspect of our work, the client must immediately raise the issue so it can be honestly and openly addressed without criticism or defensiveness.  If we cannot meet the client’s expectations, we will end the engagement in such a manner as to preserve everyone’s goodwill and maintain an on-going Resonant Relationship™ with the client.

Well-intentioned people can have unanticipated misunderstandings and disagreements.  Generally, these issues can be negotiated to a win/win conclusion that strengthens the relationship. (Note: all healthy relationships have conflict!)  However, we are clear about our values in this area: the client’s goodwill is “priceless” and will not be exchanged for any fee!

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