2018 Trends in Group and Team Programs - Coaching, Webinars and On-Demand

Late last week, I hosted the 15th annual year-end group and team programs call. This has become an

annual event where I take a look back at  some of the trends from the past year as it relates to group and team programming. I also take a look ahead at what themes might be prevalent, and influencing, our work.

You can check out what I wrote about last year's call here.

This year, it was no surprise that some of these themes showed up as key areas:
- Micro-learning (short sound-bytes of learning - usually only 3-10 minutes in length). With that in mind, I'll be releasing components of the call in shorter soundbytes in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
- Considering what on-demand offerings you might include - as someone who has offered on-demand programs since 2014 it's interesting to see the current wave of professionals flocking to create on-demand opportunities. As a coach, I think it is important to consider how on-demand may supplement your different live offerings as well.
- Enhanced Virtual Focus - I've seen more and more professionals shift to the virtual space this year, and become not only more proficient, but confident in leading ENGAGING virtual events. This year was the 5th year of offering our series of virtual train-the-trainer programs. The Virtual Facilitation Essentials was approved this year for ICF CCEs, making it a popular offering. It will be starting up again in the new year if 2019 will be your year for expanding your virtual toolkit and skills!

There were a few more trends impacting us this year, and you are probably not surprised that these themes showed up on my list

The second part of the 15th Annual Year End call took a look ahead to 2019, and themes I think will continue to influence our work. As a writer I'm constantly scanning the horizon for latest research and focus. Having been in the industry of coaching for more than 15 years now it has been very interesting to see how many themes continue to cycle.



What are the trends you see influencing your work?

During the call I also shared my top 6 tools I turned to, time and time again. My work has continued to focus in the virtual space this year, as it will in 2019. As technologies continue to morph and emerge it makes geographically diverse groups a popular choice for busy professionals. I'll cover off my top 6 resources as a separate post in the coming weeks, but I will say that visual cards are on the list once again! Also up there was. of course, journaling. If you haven't connected into my Weekly Journaling Prompts, which I share every Saturday over at the Teams365 blog, do be sure to check it out. Of course, planning and journaling have been a key theme for me this year, as I released the Coaching Business Builder Workbook and Planner in August and the PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner for Virtual and Remote Professionals late last week.

What are you planning to create in your business next year? If you haven't found it yet, be sure to check out my new website - CoachingBusinessBuilder.com, including the weekly blog posts I share around Coaching Business Development.

I'm looking forward to being in touch with one more blog post of 2018. Enjoy your holidays next week!

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2009), and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013) and Effective Virtual Conversations (2017)
Phone : 416-996-TEAM (8326)
2019 programs kick off on Friday January 11th with the return of the 3 month Mentor Coaching Group (for ACC/PCC), the Group Coaching Essentials program (8.75 CCEs), Virtual Facilitation Essentials (8.5 CCEs) and the Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (10 CCEs)