Posting with Presence: Coaching Ethics in the Age of Advocacy

We live in an era where silence speaks—but so does every post, like, and hashtag. For coaches, the question isn’t just what we believe—it’s how we express it. When our work intersects with leadership, policy, and justice, maintaining ethical clarity in the public sphere becomes both a challenge and an opportunity.

Social media blurs the lines between personal values and professional presence. Coaches are human—we care deeply about the state of the world. But as ethical professionals, we must also ask: What does it mean to show up online in a way that aligns with the ICF Code of Ethics?

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Clarify your voice: When engaging in public advocacy, be explicit that you’re speaking as an individual, not representing your clients or coaching organization.
• Maintain client-centeredness: Avoid using your platform to nudge clients toward specific political or social actions—unless these align with their stated values and goals.
• Consider perception: If your posts or public affiliations could influence how a client views your neutrality, reflect on what needs to be said privately vs. publicly.
• Hold space, not sway: In the coaching relationship, the client’s truth—not yours—is the center of gravity.

This is especially relevant when coaching those in high-stakes roles—policy makers, diplomats, and humanitarian leaders. In these contexts, our greatest gift is emotional intelligence and strategic presence, not solutions. Our job isn’t to pick sides—it’s to support clarity, courage, and collaboration.

"Being visible doesn’t mean being directive. As coaches, we lead by how we listen—even online."

Audit your recent posts. Ask: If a client saw this, would they feel safe? Let your values be visible—but your coaching presence, unmistakable.
Consider sharing a personal advocacy statement that starts with your core values and names the world you’re helping to create in our upcoming webinar
The Role of Advocacy in Coaching
ICF Ethics, Values and DEI in an Uncertain and Polarized World
📅 May 13^th at 2pmET
Register Here