MML Code Of Ethics
- Introduction
- Key Definitions
- MasterMyLife (MML) Core Values
- MasterMyLife (MML) Ethical Standards
- MasterMyLife (MML) Pledge
The MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics describes the core values of the MasterMyLife (MML), ethical principles and ethical standards of behaviour for all the MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals (see definitions). Being the coach educator at the global level working in all the continents of the world, MasterMyLife (MML) has taken insights from the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Code of Ethics. Meeting these ethical standards of behaviour is the first of the ICF professional coaches’ core competencies – “Demonstrates ethical practice”.
The MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics serves to uphold the integrity of MasterMyLife (MML) and the global coaching profession by setting standards of conduct consistent with MasterMyLife (MML) and International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) core values and ethical principles. It provides the foundation for MasterMyLife’s (MML) coaching education and life wisdom programs.
The MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics applies when MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals represent themselves as such, in any kind of coaching-related and/or a social interaction. This is regardless of whether a coaching relationship (see definitions) has been formally established or not. This code articulates the ethical obligations of MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals who are acting in their different roles as coach, coach supervisor, mentor coach, trainer, facilitator or a student of MML’s coaching education program or serving in a leadership role at MasterMyLife (MML), as well as support personnel (see definitions).
Although the Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process is only applicable to MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals, as is the Pledge, the MasterMyLife (MML) staff are also committed to ethical conduct, ethical principles and the core values that underpin this MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics.
The challenge of working ethically means that members will inevitably encounter situations that require responses to unexpected issues, resolution of dilemmas and solutions to problems. This MML Code of Ethics is intended to assist those persons subject to the Code by directing them to the variety of ethical factors that may need to be taken into consideration and helping them to identify alternative ways of approaching ethical behaviour.
MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals while accepting the MML Code of Ethics strive to be ethical, even when doing so involves making difficult decisions or acting courageously.
- Code – MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics
- MasterMyLife (MML) Professional – individuals who represent themselves as MasterMyLife (MML) Member or MasterMyLife (MML) Certificate-holder, in roles including but not limited to Coach, Coach Supervisor, Mentor Coach, Coach Trainer or a Student of MML’s coaching education and/or life wisdom program.
- Student – the individual or a coach studying in MasterMyLife’s (MML) coaching education and/or life wisdom program or a coach being mentored or supervised by the MML Coach Supervisors, Assessors or Mentors.
- Client – the individual or team/group being coached.
- Sponsor – the entity (including its representatives) paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching services to be provided.
- Coach – the MasterMyLife (MML) Professional who has successfully completed MML’s coaching education program.
- Internal Coach – the MasterMyLife (MML) Professional who is employed within an organization and coaches either part-time or full-time the employees of that organization.
- Coaching – partnering with the Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential.
- Coaching Relationship – a relationship that is established by the MasterMyLife (MML) Professional, a Coach and the Client(s)/Sponsor(s) under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.
- MasterMyLife Staff – the support professionals working with the MasterMyLife (MML).
- Confidentiality – protection of any information obtained around the coaching engagement unless consent to release is given by the client.
- Conflict of Interest – a situation in which a MasterMyLife (MML) Professional is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or be in conflict with another. This could be financial, personal or otherwise.
- Equality – a situation in which all people experience inclusion, access to resources and opportunity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, immigration status, mental or physical disability, and other areas of human difference.
- Systemic equality – gender equality, race equality and other forms of equality that are institutionalised in the ethics, core values, policies, structures, and cultures of communities, organisations, nations and society.
The MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics, founded on the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) Code of Ethics is based on the MasterMyLife (MML) Core Values and the actions that flow from them. All values are equally important and support one another. These values are aspirational and should be used as a way to understand and interpret the standards.
All MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals are expected to showcase and propagate these Values in all of their interactions:
- Collaboration – We commit to collaborate with the global institutions in the domain of coaching and life wisdom based developmental education and allied social services. Collaboration is our foundational value reflecting in all of our endeavours.
- Creation – We commit to create a global ecosystem that develops competent, successful & contributing coaches.
- Contribution – We commit to contribute to the wellbeing of humanity by building and nurturing a community of emotionally intelligent wise coaches.
MasterMyLife (MML) upholds the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics & Ethical Standards as stipulated by ICF.
The following ethical standards are applicable to all of the MasterMyLife (MML) Professionals:
Section I – Responsibility to Clients
As an MasterMyLife (MML) Professional,
- Explain and ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s) understand the nature and potential value of coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement.
- Create an agreement / contract regarding the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties involved with my Client(s) and Sponsor(s) prior to the commencement of services.
- Maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all parties as agreed upon. I am aware of and agree to comply with all applicable laws that pertain to personal data and communications.
- Have a clear understanding about how information is exchanged among all parties involved during all coaching interactions.
- Have a clear understanding with both Clients and Sponsors or interested parties about the conditions under which information will not be kept confidential (e.g., illegal activity, if required by law, pursuant to valid court order or subpoena; imminent of likely risk of danger to self or others; etc.). Where I reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, I may need to inform appropriate authorities.
- When working as an Internal Coach, I manage conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest with my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s) through coaching agreement(s) and ongoing dialogue. This should include addressing organisational roles, responsibilities, relationships, records, confidentiality and other reporting requirements.
- Maintain, store and dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, created during my professional interactions in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy, and complies with any applicable laws and agreements. Furthermore, I seek to make proper use of emerging and growing technological developments that are being used in coaching services (technology-assisted coaching services) and to be aware of how various ethical standards apply to them.
- Remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received from the coaching relationship. If so, make a change in the relationship or encourage the Client(s) / Sponsor(s) to seek another coach, seek another professional or use a different resource.
- Respect all parties’ right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point for any reason during the coaching process subject to the provisions of the agreement.
- Am sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) at the same time in order to avoid conflict of interest situations.
- Am aware of and actively manage any power or status difference between the Client and me that may be caused by cultural, relational, psychological or contextual issues.
- Disclose to my Clients the potential receipt of compensation and other benefits I may receive for referring my Clients to third parties.
- Assure consistent quality of coaching regardless of the amount or form of agreed compensation in any relationship.
Section II – Responsibility to Practice and Performance
As an MasterMyLife (MML) Professional,
- Adhere to the MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics in all my interactions. When I become aware of a possible breach of the Code by myself or I recognize unethical behaviour in another MasterMyLife (MML) Professional, I respectfully raise the matter with those involved. If this does not resolve the matter, I refer to a formal authority (e.g., MasterMyLife Staff) for resolution.
- Require adherence to the MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics by all Support Personnel.
- Commit to excellence through continued personal, professional and ethical development.
- Recognize my personal limitations or circumstances that may impair, conflict with or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional coaching relationships. I will reach out for support to determine the action to be taken and, if necessary, promptly seek relevant professional guidance. This may include suspending or terminating my coaching relationship(s).
- Resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or suspending temporarily or ending the professional relationship.
- Maintain the privacy of MasterMyLife (MML) Members and use the MasterMyLife Member contact information (email addresses, telephone numbers, and so on) only as authorised by MasterMyLife or the MasterMyLife Member.
Section III – Responsibility to Professionalism
As an MasterMyLife (MML) Professional,
- Identify accurately my coaching qualifications, my level of coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, and certifications.
- Make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I offer as a MasterMyLife (MML) Professional, what is offered by MasterMyLife, the coaching profession and the potential value of coaching.
- Communicate and create awareness with those who need to be informed of the ethical responsibilities established by this Code.
- Hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern interactions, physical or otherwise.
- Do not participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s) or Sponsor(s). I will be ever mindful of the level of intimacy appropriate for the relationship. I take the appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the engagement.
Section IV – Responsibility to Society
As an MasterMyLife (MML) Professional,
- Avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities and operations, while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability or military status.
- Recognize and honour the contributions and intellectual property of others, only claiming ownership of my own material. I understand that a breach of this standard may subject me to legal remedy by a third party.
- Am honest and work within recognized scientific standards, applicable subject guidelines and boundaries of my competence when conducting and reporting research.
- Am aware of my and my clients’ impact on society. I adhere to the philosophy of “doing good” versus “avoiding bad.”
As a MasterMyLife (MML) Professional, in accordance with the Standards of the MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics, I acknowledge and agree to fulfil my ethical and legal obligations to my coaching client(s), sponsor(s), colleagues and to the public at large.
If I breach any part of the MasterMyLife (MML) Code of Ethics, I agree that MasterMyLife (MML) in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for doing so. I further agree that my accountability to MasterMyLife (MML) for any breach may include but is not be limited to revocation of my coaching or life wisdom education certification and/or cancellation of admission to the MML coaching or life wisdom education and/or loss of my membership of MML Community and/or YouMeAndLife Coaching Mastery Consortium (YML CMC) and/or YouMeAnd Life (YML) Coaching Hub, without any return of fees or any compensation given to me.