Group Coaching Trends for 2013

What might be in store for trends around group coaching this year? In December I shared 4 trends I see as quite possible for group and team coaching trends this year. If you were not able to join me for the 9th Annual Year End Group Programs Call in December, you can listen to it here (click on the link for the December 14 2012 call).

Here are four trends I see as continued shapers of work in the group coaching realm - as well as team coaching, workshops and retreats:

1. Virtual - I believe that there will continue to be increased appeal for virtual group programs - whether it is a group coaching program that runs for several months or a year, or a webinar type format. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, and connectivity through mobile devices continues to explode, I do believe that more people will feel confident in trying out a virtual offering. Consider Christmas/holiday gifts during 2012. How many of you now have a new tablet or Ipad in your household? These devices increase the opportunity for virtual collaboration.

2. Relationship Based - I do believe that a continued trend or priority area for coaches and those running group programs will continue to be the importance of relationship-based connections. WE often talk about the "KNOW, LIKE and TRUST" factor in marketing. How are you creating opportunities to get to know potential clients, and more importantly have them experience your work so they know if they like it or not?

3. Focus on Measurement - The 2012 ICF Global Coaching Survey pointed to the need for more attention to measurement as it relates to coaching. As a coach, how are you measuring impact (short term, medium term, long term). What are you doing with your organizational partners to measure, or get them to measure impact. Coaches will benefit from familiarizing themselves around measurement. Een if coaches are not the ones undertaking the measurement they should develop awareness around standard practices of evaluation. ASTD has some great resources for trainers. Kirkpatrick's 4 Levels are quite standard in the training industy, and of course ROI measurement. Jack J. Phillip's is considered one of the go-to persons for ROI measurement.

4. Visuals - Hand in hand with trend #1 - Virtual, visuals I believe will continue to play a more important role this year, for in person and virtual programs. With the advent of even more webinar service providers, consider how you can integrate a coaching approach using a webinar platform (making it more two way and conversationally based of course).

What do you see or sense as the trends that will influence your work this year? As always feel free to comment below on on our Effective Group Coaching Facebook page. 

Best regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Connect with me on Twitter | Facebook

Upcoming programs for coaches include:
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Advanced Group Coaching Practicum - 8 CCEs - a follow-on to the GEC program, providing coaches with hands-on group coaching practice in the virtual realm
Mentor Coaching Group for ACC Renewals or ACC/PCC portfolio candidates - meets the ICF requirements for Mentor Coaching, and includes 7 hrs small group calls (max 4-5 coaches) and 3 hours of individual mentor coaching. Next group starts Fridays 12- 1pm ET on Jan 12 running to April 12.