Monday, July 26, 2010

Ready Made Content for Coaches

Looking for some ready made content? Check out ReadyToRollOut.com. Early last year coach and one of my favorite co-facilitators Deborah Grayson-Riegel and I came together to create a series of workbooks which can be used, or adapted for:
- Workshops
- Group Coaching
- Teleclasses
- Newsletters
- Presentations
These are turnkey workbooks which can be used “as is” or branded with your company identity. We currently offer 6 major titles:

  • Personal Productivity and Time Management
  • Networking Essentials
  • Strategies for Change Management
  • Managing Up
  • Overcoming Roadblocks (in Work or Life)
  • Should I Stay or Should I Go? (Career Transition)

Purchase gives you access to 100 licenses, so you can use it with up to a 100 clients as is.


Deb and I have woven together our decades of experience in working with corporate, non-profit and community programs as trainers, coaches and facilitators. Deb and I first met back in 2007 when we co-facilitated the Learning Lab for Coaches attending the ASTD International Conference that year. Even back then coaches were hungry for more quality content.

The workbooks are delivered in word format, enabling you to add your own touches, change the flow, or pull out what you want for your own teleclass or presentation

Pricing starts at $97 US per title, or $297 US per branded title.

Visit http://www.readytorollout.com for details on each title or to purchase.


If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me an email at info@potentialsrealized.com or call me at (416) 996-8326. Hope that you enjoy them!


Warm regards,

Jennifer


Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Phone: (416) 996-8326

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{com}

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Group Facilitator Readiness for Coaches: Part 2

Building onto our post earlier this week, here are some core best practices for group facilitation:
  • Create a safe, and open learning environment
  • Spend time creating ground rules, or ways of working
  • speak clearly, and slowly. Avoid jargon.
  • Treat all participants as equals - and wherever possible ensure equal focus (time)
  • Stay as neutral as possible
  • Have the group be the focus of attention - not you
  • Adapt your coaching skills for the group context
  • Point to what you are noticing in terms of the group process
  • Providing particpants with a brief roadmap of what they can expect (in terms of process)

Some traps to avoid are:

  • Getting defensive
  • Taking sides
  • Knowing the answer
  • Not really listening to what is being said
  • Going over time
  • Not managing or acknowledging conflict that exists
  • Letting one person dominate

What are some of the best practices you would recommend for group facilitation?

Have a great week!

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CPT

Author of Effective Group Coaching

Early Bird rate for our Group Facilitation Skills Training program on until July 30th (September 24-25, 2010 in Toronto, CANADA)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Group Facilitator Readiness for Coaches

Individual 1-1 coaches who are moving into the group coaching realm often ask me "What are some of the core facilitation skills and practices I should keep in mind when working with groups?". Knowledge of how a group develops, along with core group facilitation skills and practices, plus your core coaching skills will provide a baseline foundation for you to deliver your own group coaching programs.

Here are some points to keep in mind when moving to working with groups:
  • Create a theme and a rough road map - It may not be as detailed as a workshop agenda, but loosely consider what are the major activities or themes you are going to focus in on. With mulitple client agendas present, unless group size is very small (i.e. 3-4) it can be very challenging for coach and client if everyone comes wanting coaching around very different areas
  • If possible, spend some time pre-program getting to know your participants. It may be as simple as a questionnaire or a short phone call. If you can't meet with them before, definitely spend time as a group talking about expectations and what people want out of the group coaching process
  • Be aware of the process groups (and teams) move through. Bruce Tuckman's work and theory on group and team dynamics is critical to keep in mind when working with groups. Be ready for conflict, performance and lots of other interesting behaviors in between. Leave time at the end to celebrate. I go into much more detail about the impact of group dynamics on group coaching in my book Effective Group Coaching.
  • Recognize that there will be a lot of different preferences in the room which may require different approaches, exercises and languaging.
  • Remember that group coaching is based on coaching, and that you already bring a number of tools and exercises which can be adapted. One of your most powerful skills will continue to be the power of a question!

Later this week I will go into some basic group facilitation practices - things to do, and traps to avoid!

Have a great week,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CPT

Group Coaching Essentials - Next ICF CCE Accredited Group Coaching training program starts on Thursday July 22nd at 2 pm ET. Click here for more info or to register.

Early Bird rate for our next Group Facilitation Skills Training program (September 24-25, Toronto) on until July 30th.

Phone: (416)996-8326

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Accelerated Summer Group Coaching Essentials starts Thurs July 22nd

For those eager to get their own group coaching programs positioned for fall and winter, I wanted to drop you just a quick note to let you know about the Accelerated Group Coaching Essentials program which starts next Thursday July 22nd (2-3:15 pm ET).

The program is designed to provide coaches with tips, tools and support in designing, marketing and implementing their own group coaching programs, whether they are phone based or in person programs, corporate or group programs.

The Group Coaching Essentials program covers:
· The Foundation of Group Coaching – What is Group Coaching, Best Practices of Group Coaching, and Adult Learning Principles
· The Nuts and Bolts of Developing Group Coaching – Making Your Program Development Fun and Effective: Technical issues, Techniques and Templates for Developing and Running Your Program
· Marketing Group Coaching – Knowing Your Audience, General Marketing Principles and Materials
· Filling Up Your Toolbox – Exercises and Other Resources for Group Coaching

The program is accredited for 6.75 hours of CCEs (Continuing Coach Education Units) with the ICF.

Dates: July 22, 27, 29, August 5 and 12, 2010 (2-3:15 pm Eastern) - Summer Accerlerated Program OR August 3, 10, 17, 24 and September 14, 2010 (Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET)

Cost: $325 US or Canadian

To find out more about what coaches have said about the program and to register you can visit www.groupcoachingessentials.com/pages/gec. Registration is online or offline by phone at (416) 996-8326 (Visa and AMEX).

For those just looking to focus on "getting it done" and working on their program design, you may also be interested in joining me for a 1 Day Group Program Virtual Retreat on August 4th (10-4 pm ET) where we will spend the day online and offline working on our group programs.

I look forward to having you join me!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Group Coaching Essentials
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Phone: 416-996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com

Generational Differences in Group Learning

It may be possible that in any of your group programs you have a range of age groups, or different generations, participating. There is getting to be a lot more information and research into the diferent preferences of the different generations. one of the sources I have found useful is the work of Cam Marston at www.generationalinsights.com. You can check out his blog as well.

I write more about the impact of Generational Preferences as it relates to group coaching in my book Effective Group Coaching. I would encourage coaches to continue considering what you include in your programs, and how you deliver it. Different technologies may have impact on different age groups, and different age groups, such as Millenials/Gen Y may have a natural inclination for group work, based on their educational experiences.

Issues to consider are:
- How to leverage the expertise of all participants, recognizing that there may be different levels of experience
- How to support participants through any technological challenges/hurdles they may face in participating
- How to celebrate the diversity of perspectives that exist across age groups, and to support sharing of insights and a valuing of all perspectives

On a practical note you will also want to consider how people would like to receive their materials (online PDFs, materials delivered on a USB or by email versus hard copy materials)

At the end of the day, we need to continue on what is it that our clients, or audience, wants and values. What will best support their learning styles?

What do you notice about the different needs of different generations in your programs? Any trends? As always, please feel free to comment below.


Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: 416-996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

5 Great Summer Reads

This summer I have built in several weeks of holiday time, where I am working remotely a couple of days a week from my cottage. This has given me the added benefit of finally getting back to reading - a pastime I love, but haven't had a lot of time for these past few summers with my son (who is now 5)and other projects on the go. This year Matthew is a lot more independent and enjoys exploring the surroundings for fish and frogs and worms. It's allowing me to get a head start on some reading.

Here are 5 of my favorites so far this summer:

1. Happy - Ian Smith
2. Mojo: how to Get It, How To Keep It, and How to Get It Back If You Lose It: Marshall Goldsmith (http://www.MojoTheBook.com)
3. Collaboration: Morten Henson
4. The Happiness Project: Gretchin Rubin
5. Who's Got Your Back? - Keith Ferrazzi

What books are you reading and enjoying this summer? What would you add to the Summer 2010 Reading List?

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Phone: (416) 996-8326
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized.com

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Join me Thursday at 4 pm ET for CoachChat at BlogTalkRadio

I've been invited to the Guest Expert on Group Coaching Issues on tomorrow's CoachChat show at 4 pm ET. CoachChat is a new half hour radio show on Blog Talk Radio, sponsored by the ICF New York City Chapter, geared to coaches.

Join us tomorrow from 4-4:30 pm ET for the half hour episode on Group Coaching and call in to (347) 989-8081.

I'll be sharing many tips and ideas for coaches from my book Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) around group coaching, including some best practices.

Hope that you can join us. See you there!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized
Phone: (416)996-8326
Next Group Coaching Essentials program starts Thursday July 8th at 10:30 am ET (Accredited for 6.75 CCEs with the ICF)

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

July Program Line Up - Group Coaching Training and Retreats

Summer is often a popular time to get the ball rolling with your own program offering design and marketing. If you are looking for tips, tools and accountability in getting your programs up and running more quickly here's what's on tap this month:

Group Coaching Essentials starts July 8
(Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET): July 8, 22, 29, Aug 5 and 12

This ICF Accredited CCE program (6.75 hours) provides coaches with resources, structures, and exercises for designing and marketing their group coaching programs (in person/by phone, corporate or public programs).

Here's what two recent participants have said about the program:
“Group Coaching Essentials helped me take action towards offering group programs. I’m now equipped with th necessary knowledge, skills and tools to design and facilitate the courses I envision. This program will give you the confidence boost you are looking for and thee accountability you need to make it all happen” – Matt Naskrent, PCC, Pinnacle Success Source, http://www.PinnacleSuccessSource.com

“Jennifer delivers not only the content well, but I found the course provided the content in a very useful format, that similar to what I will be using. If you work through the exercises you wind up with a finished product. The group format used also provides for a level of accountability that keeps you going and provides feedback on your ideas and approach from both Jennifer and from the class. As a result of this course I now have my program ready to o to market months earlier than I would have otherwise. I look forward to working with Jennifer again in the future. Thanks for the quick start to what I hope will become a significant part of my business” – Bill Wright, http://www.mycoachbill.com


Click here to read more about the program, or to register. Space still available for this week's program. Cost $325 US.



Accelerated Summer Group Coaching Essentials: Tues/Thurs 2-3:15 pm ET: July 22, 27, 29, Aug 5 and 12
As above but in a more accelerated format.

One Day Group Program Virtual Retreat/Intensive (Phone): Wednesday August 4, 2010 (10-4 pm ET)
This one day program is geared for coaches and facilitators who want to take focused action on their own group program design or marketing. The program provides a six hour structured series of group calls and individual exercises to boost your focus and output.
Here's what people have been saying about the program:
Thank you again for such a remarkable, well organized workshop for Group Coaching. The timing and the content that I received from you in the Group Program Virtual Intensive was invaluable. The class was structured so that we would walk away with a working personalized model ready for implementation. You transformed the concepts into easily implementable steps that made it seem effortless. Had I not taken this course, I would not have developed the confidence to feel like I could really make it happen. You provided the guidance for specific areas that were challenging participants from technology and marketing to setting up payment systems on-line. You are truly a gifted teacher.
Jeanne Pochily – Women’s Wellness and Life Coach

Click here for more information and to register


BizSuccess Virtual Business Planning Retreat (for Coaches): Wednesday July 21 (9:30-3:3o pm ET) - by phone
Are you eager to put some focus on your business this summer and want to spend time focusing on where you are going? Join me for this one day phone based business planning retreat where you will move through a series of business planning exercises to refine your vision for the next year, set business goals and identify your "sweet spot". Cost: $150 US.
Click here for more information and to register.

Advanced Group Coaching Issues starts July 22nd (Thursdays 12 - 1:15 pm ET)
Geared for alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program, the Advanced Group Coaching program focuses in on
  • Advanced Design Approaches
  • Pitfalls and Tricky Issues
  • Dealing with Difficult Clients
  • Boosting Engagement and Impact for Your Clients
  • Systems for group coaching to leverage your time and results
  • Advanced issues for virtual program delivery (phone/web)
  • Building Your Unique Platform - Leveraging the Programs you have in place for additional revenue streams
  • Advanced Marketing Issues
  • Exploration of newer technologies for program delivery and marketing
  • More Group Coaching Exercises!
  • An opportunity to practice your own group coaching facilitation, and receive feedback on it during the program
Cost: $395 US (includes a copy of the Effective Group Coaching book)

Click here for more info and to register for the Advanced Group Coaching program.

Looking forward to having you join me this month!

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP, CPT
Potentials Realized
Phone: (416) 996-8326
Email: info{at} potentialsrealized.com

Where's Your Mojo?

My team coaching partner, Sharon Miller of CoachingWorks recently introduced me to Marshall Goldsmith's concept of Mojo. It's been a few years since I've seen Marshall speak, but am still influenced by his words at the 2005 CSTD Annual Conference which challenged us to get our learners to identify only one action step or commitment at the end of a program, rather than a 10 item laundry list.

I just opened up May's T and D magazine from ASTD (yes, I'm a little behind on some of my reading), and there is a great article from Marshall on Mojo for the learning professional. He states "I operationally define Mojo as "that positive spirit - toward what we are doing now - that starts on the inside and radiates to the outside. We experience Mojo when we engage in activities that simultaneously provide us with happiness and meaning."

How are you as a coach engaging in activities which make you happy? Activities which are meaningful? Both of these are essential for Mojo. How are you supporting your clients to engage in activities which make them happy and meaningful?

You can read more about Goldsmith's book - Mojo: How to Get It, How To Keep It, and How to Get It Back If you Lose it, http://www.MojoThebook.com.

Have a terrific week!

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Group Coaching Essentials: Several ICF Accredited programs starting this summer including start dates on July 8 (Thursdays 10:30 -11:45 am ET), July 22nd (Summer accelerated program, and also in August)
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Phone: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)