The variety which shows up in my work with teams and groups is what keeps me energized, and I do
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| Photo by Gratsiela Toneva |
As you will note throughout my years of writing here at the
blog, I often write, It Depends. Our work as coaches is highly customized, and needs to be shaped by their realities, priorities and preferences.
As you consider how to work with your clients,
put them front and center. Ask yourself:
What are their needs?
What are the top issues or questions keeping them up at night? What are the
issues they are really grappling with?
What are the styles
at play? Each group we work with will have a variety of personalities, ways
in which they see the world, and ways they learn. Are these people who see the
world in broad strokes or fine details? Providing your clients with an
assessment such as MBTI, Everything DiSC, Insights or other, can provide them
with valuable information, as well as cues for you in terms of what different
approaches you may want to bring in. For example, if you know that the group
has a preference for learning through action, versus reading, this may prompt
you to bring in more experiential processes, rather than reading activities
between touch-points.
How long do they want
to meet for? Some coaches are successful in launching and running year long
group coaching processes. Personally, most of my clients have a much shorter
window of time they feel comfortable committing to. Three to four months is
usually their window of time. What are your clients preferences in terms of
length they want to meet for each touch point and the sessions overall?
In person or virtual?
Each group and community is different. Throughout the summer months I work in a
smaller rural setting where people value a face to face connection. The rest of
the year I am based in Toronto where we face one of the longest commute times
in North America. Rather than meeting in person on a weekly basis, I usually
find many of my Toronto based clients prefer either more intensive meetings
(i.e. full weekends, half days over several weeks) or phone based work.
As you consider your clients, what are their particular
needs. What makes them unique? What can you offer to them?
Have a great week,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC
(416)996-8326
Join us for an upcoming program including the:
Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar - 6.75 CCEs - starting Wednesdays at 10 am ET on August 13th - Sept 10. Five calls packed with practical, actionable tips for your own group coaching design, marketing and implementation.
Mentor Coaching Group - Thursdays 9-10 am Eastern starting August 14th. Are you looking to get ICF credentialed (ACC/PCC) or need to renew your ACC? This program meets the requirements for mentor coaching with the ICF. 7 calls with a small group (max 6 coaches), 3 individual calls with me. 10 hrs. Click here for more info or to register.
Summer Virtual Business Planning Retreat - Friday August 15 from 9-3 pm ET by phone. Six hours of structured group and individual activities to move your business forward. More info at http://bizplanningretreat.com.
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