Sometimes we complicate the original intent.

If you haven’t heard me mention, I am a long-term, proud member of Rotary International.

The wisdom of this 100-year old service club with millions of members worldwide is worth considering and embodying in your life and your business as a coach.

For example, The Rotary International, offers their members guidelines for conduct, they call it The Four Way Test. 

A simple list that the coaching community may use to understand and implement the ICF Standards of Ethical Conduct…an easy reminder of the intent of all the ethical guidelines of our coaching profession.
The Four Way Test of the things we say and do (Rotary International):

• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Like many things in life, we sometimes complicate the original intent. Of course, we need ethical standards and systematized procedures for our profession of coaching. And yet, using the Four Way Test provides a great shortcut and reminder that can help all of us avoid most ethical dilemmas.

I invite you to write the Four Way Test on a note card and place it near your phone or computer (along with a copy of the ICF ethical standards). Observe how these simple criteria assist in the application of coaching ethics and can greatly positively affect your coaching.

Comments

[Sharon Wilson]

I really enjoy the "Four Way Test" concept, very Interesting. Thanks for your great insight!