The Ethical Coaches’ Handbook: A Guide to Developing Ethical Maturity in Practice by Wendy-Ann Smith (Book Review #2153)

In the fast-growing field of coaching, few topics carry as much weight—and yet are often overlooked—as ethics. The Ethical Coaches’ Handbook fills this gap with impressive clarity, depth, and practical application. Edited by Wendy-Ann Smith, Jonathan Passmore, Eve Turner, and Yi-Ling Lai, this handbook brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore what it truly means to be ethical as a coach.

Structured into four carefully designed parts, the book takes readers on a journey toward what the editors call ethical maturity—an awareness and application of ethical principles that go beyond compliance into genuine professional integrity.

Part 1 lays the groundwork by examining the foundations of ethics in coaching. For new and seasoned coaches alike, this section offers both a refresher and a challenge: ethics isn’t simply a set of rules but a lens through which all coaching practice should be evaluated.

Part 2 moves into the practical realities of coaching. Through real-world examples, the editors highlight scenarios where ethical considerations play a decisive role—confidentiality, boundaries, conflicts of interest, and power dynamics. Coaches reading this will inevitably reflect on their own practices and decisions.

Part 3 is perhaps the most compelling, as it pushes readers to confront complex and evolving issues. Here, topics such as race, cultural identity, mental health, environmental responsibility, and marketing practices are explored through an ethical lens. These chapters stretch the reader to think beyond conventional frameworks and engage with pressing social and professional challenges.

Finally, Part 4 provides twelve case studies that translate theory into practice. These scenarios are not only engaging but also provoke thoughtful self-assessment. By working through these cases, coaches gain confidence in applying ethical reasoning to diverse and sometimes ambiguous situations.

What makes this handbook stand out is its balance of academic rigor and accessible style. While grounded in theory, it is never dry or overly abstract. The editors succeed in combining scholarship with practical application, ensuring that readers leave not just more informed, but also more prepared to act ethically in their coaching practice.

For students, practitioners, and educators in the coaching field, The Ethical Coaches’ Handbook is an essential resource. It is both a mirror—inviting honest reflection—and a guide, lighting the path toward higher standards of ethical practice.

Written by Jeyran Main

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