1. Business Ethics are built on Personal Ethics
2. Business Ethics are based on Fairness
   
3. Business Ethics require Integrity
   
4. Business Ethics require Truth-telling
   
5. Business Ethics require Dependability
   
6. Business Ethics require a Business Plan
   
7. Business Ethics apply Internally and Externally
   
8. Business Ethics require a Profit
   
9. Business Ethics are values-based
   
10. Business Ethics come from the Boss

This morning, I read about a company using on-line auctions to defraud customers. Last week, I consulted on an ethics complaint where a business coach betrayed a client's confidentiality. And, recently a Physician was convicted of insider trading based on information from a patient, a violation of both business ethics and her professional ethics.

IS THIS ARTICLE FOR YOU?

This article is written for three important audiences. First and foremost, the article speaks to professional leaders and coaches, whether you work within organizations or as practitioners providing coaching services on a temporary or contractual basis. Second, it is for those who are new coaches, those on a development track to refine their capabilities and ideas about coaching, or those who have been introduced to coaching through courses such as Coaching for Breakthroughs and Commitment offered by the Canadian Centre for Management Development. Finally, anyone who is interested in coaching as a discipline or considering working with a coach could find useful ideas here. Even if you are unfamiliar with coaching as a discipline for achieving unprecedented results, this article will introduce you to concepts and ethical issues of concern to anyone contemplating using a coach.

Adapted for HKICC by Carole Lewis from: http://www.siop.org/Workplace/coaching/ethical_and_legal_i.aspx

The number of coaching cases and coaches has increased dramatically over the last several years. There are many reasons for this increase. When well done, coaching efforts can result in both improvement in the organization and in organizational outcomes as well as in individuals and groups.

Even the most highly qualified coaches and best of managers, however, can find themselves involved in situations that create either ethical dilemmas or legal challenges. Unless these situations are prepared for and addressed properly in advance, the effectiveness of the effort is likely to be compromised. This situation can also lead to decreased trust of both coaches and managers. At the worst, it can harm both the individual and the organization. This situation can result in many bad outcomes, including legal costs.

By Charlie Lang, published in HK Echo, Spring 2008

As the battle for talent rages again, retention strategies have become a priority for many companies. More and more are calling on the services of coaching companies to preserve their human assets. Charlie Lang, founder of Progress-U Ltd and co-founder of the HK International Coaching Community, explains.

Certified Fearless Living Coach, Member of The International Coach Federation, member of HKICC

What got you interested in coaching?

Chance (except there is no chance!). A marital crisis led to a chance meeting with Helen Revans, a Fearless Living Coach here in Hong Kong, and with her coaching I began the process of transforming my life. Then I was drawn back into it - and now I have found my passion!