Which situation most clearly represents a potential conflict of interest for a coach?

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 3.1) defines a conflict of interest as a situation where a coach’s personal interest could influence their professional objectivity. Financial gain tied to recommendations is a clear example (Section 3.2 requires disclosure). Let’s analyze:

A. Offering a business card to a former classmate who may benefit from coaching: This is marketing, not a conflict unless personal gain overrides client needs, which isn’t implied.

B. Recommending a psychological assessment that will result in financial gain for a former colleague: This benefits a third party, not the coach directly, so it’s less clearly a conflict under ICF’s definition.

C. Advising a client to purchase a training program for which the coach will receive financial compensation: This directly ties the coach’s financial interest to their advice, creating a potential conflict (Section 3.1).

D. Suggesting that a client take a learning course developed by a respected psychologist: Without personal gain, this is a neutral recommendation, not a conflict.

Option C most clearly represents a conflict of interest, per ICF ethics.