Cathy Liska One of the things I have been working on over the past year is my chapter for Coaching Perspectives X. The Center for Coaching Certification publishes a book out each year and the chapters are written by graduates. My chapter this year was inspired by a change in the ICF’s Code of Ethics. 
They added that more than doing no harm, do good. What is the difference in terms of doing good? Avoiding harm means we are working hard not to hurt somebody or not to cause harm. Doing good is proactively initiating positive impact, doing something that benefits others and makes a difference. As coaches we are called on to make a difference and to do good. When we look at what is happening in our world, oh, my goodness, what a year 2020 has been.
Now we are into 2021. What kind of a year do we want? What kind of change do we want to see? How can we make a difference? What can each person do that is really going to make a difference? Through researching and reflecting, here is what I listed:
- Educate ourselves. For example, a fabulous area for all of us to do good is to influence change, systemic change, to really address social justice. To be part of that starts with educating ourselves. Research information on the different forms of biases, the impact, and how it manifests.
- Self-assess and strategize. Self-assessment starts with evaluating what we are doing, how we are communicating, and what is happening in our space. For example, look at your website – the pictures, the language, and message conveyed there.
- Commit to a self-reflective practice. When we want to have a positive impact, having a self-reflective practice is going to support success. It means being aware and taking time to think back on how we have engaged and what came across.
- Communicate openness. Images, words, and tone can be used to communicate openness. What pictures or ways of saying things do you want to incorporate on your website? How will you communicate in conversations?
- Expand access to coaching creatively. For example, many volunteers coach leaders in different nonprofits. Be intentional about also giving back and volunteering and doing good.
As a coach, we can impact one person at a time. Think about what is important, where the opportunities are, and be intentional about reaching out and making a difference.
Let us collaborate, even when we are doing things individually, and make a differenc
