Your client shares that finally, after many months, they are making progress in an area that has been difficult for them. The worst response is:
A.
Slam the desk, shouting "YES YES YES" and fist pump the air in celebration of your client and your good work.
B.
Ask the client why they did not make this progress sooner, as they had a good plan in place, and should’ve resolved the issue already.
C.
Remind the client that this change has come only because of the coaching and the help that the coach has been giving.
D.
Listen to the client share, and after a few wows, reflect back to the client some of the path they have walked over the past few months, sharing what you respect and admire in the client.
Option C is the worst because it takes credit for the client’s progress, violating Competency 2.2 (partnership) and Ethics Section 2.2 (avoiding self-interest). It undermines the client’s autonomy (Competency 8.3) and contradicts the ICF Definition of Coaching, which credits the client for their growth.
Option A may be excessive but isn’t harmful. Option B criticizes but doesn’t steal credit. Option D (best, see Question 23) honors the client. C most egregiously shifts focus to the coach.
[References: ICF Core Competencies (2.2, 8.3); ICF Code of Ethics (2.2); ICF Definition of Coaching., , ]
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