What is the first step a coach should take after discovering another coach has misrepresented...

The ICF Code of Ethics (Section 5.1) encourages coaches to "resolve conflicts or potential ethical violations directly with those involved when feasible" before escalating to formal reporting. Misrepresenting training violates Section 2.1 ("I will accurately represent my qualifications"), and the first step is typically a professional conversation to address it. Let’s analyze:

A. Discuss the issue with a supervising coach: This assumes a supervisory structure that may not exist, and it bypasses direct resolution, which ICF prioritizes.

B. Communicate with the coach about their possible ethical violation: This aligns with ICF’s ethical process of addressing concerns collegially first, fostering accountability while respecting due process (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 5).

C. Speak with the coach’s client about the misinformation: This breaches confidentiality and professionalism (ICF Code of Ethics, Section 4) and oversteps the coach’s role.

D. Report the misconduct to ICF: Reporting is appropriate if direct resolution fails or the violation is severe, but it’s not the first step per ICF’s Ethical Conduct Review Policy.

Option B is the correct first step, reflecting ICF’s ethical approach to resolving potential violations.