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Offensive Words in Coaching
Supporting coaches managing unacceptable behaviour in their sessions.
Recently I had a powerful conversation about the occurrence of offensive language in coaching sessions.
This came up during a class in my ICF Certified Relationship Coach Diploma.
We discuss inclusive language A LOT because I believe diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a priority for all professional coaches. And so does ICF. With the updated ICF Code of Ethics and Core Competencies this year, there is further reference to DEI, giving greater impetus for us coaches to understand our own biases.
When You Need To Ask For Clarification
The last thing you want is for your client to feel like they are educating you. I have had non-monogamous coaching clients share that previous practitioners made them feel like a case study (and not in a good way). The practitioner asked them to explain non-monogamy terminology.
If your client brings up a topic you are unfamiliar with, remember the client is in charge of what happens in the session.
Don’t say: Tell me about this topic.
Don’t say: I can’t work with you because I don’t know anything about that topic.
