Sunday, December 27, 2020

Happy Holidays - Catch up on the 17th Annual Year End Group and Team Programs Call

 Happy Holidays!

I hope that you are enjoying this year's holiday season and possibly finding new ways to celebrate.

Every year in December I host a year end call around group and team coaching issues. This year, in the spirit of creating more connection and community (two elements people are yearning for in these times), I hosted a special 4 hour year-end holiday party, with several other colleagues from the Stand Out Virtually Incubator joining me for the presentations and festivities. If you haven't had a chance to view it, I hope you will find some time to do so.

Here are some of the key highlights:

Start - Welcome and the 17th annual year-end group and team programs call (stay tuned for some of the key themes I highlighted this year)

30 minutes - Kathleen Vaughan - The Kaleidoscope of Teams

60 minutes  - Luisa Ferrario -Remote Leadership

90 Minutes - Lisa Hoashi - What were the opportunities of 2020 - Grab a pen for this one!

120 minutes - Paola Fiore - Authenticity and Sustainability

2 hours 30 minutes - PlanDoTrack Facilitators speaking about PlanDoTrack and how they are using it in their work with remote professionals and teams

3 hour 25 min (approximately) - grab a pen or our drawing activity of cars with trees

3 hour 30 min - Future Trends for 2021 Group and Team Programs

I hope that you will enjoy it and join me in the coming weeks as I host a number of additional events for kickstarting your business in 2021. Stay Tuned this week as I highlight several things. Also, be sure to check out the Boxing Weekend Specials with 2021 Lab pricing and the Amplify Virtually Mastermind Founders Rate.

And now...here's the 17th Annual Year End Group and Team Programs Call:

I look forward to continuing to support you in 2021 with programming around virtual group and team work - from coaching, to facilitation to team development and Standing Out Virtually. ICF CCE approved programs start again in January as does the 60 Day Coaching Business Builder Accelerator and Mentor Coaching Groups (for ACC/PCC).

Enjoy the rest of the holidays,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Phone: (416)996-8326

Join us on Friday January 8th for the start of Winter 2021 programming around Group and Team Coaching. Get ready to launch your 2021 programming Click here to learn more and reserve your spot in the Essentials program.


Monday, November 23, 2020

Group Coaching - The Power of A Pause


Earlier today in my regular Facebook Live, I touched on the importance of creating a pause for yourself as a coach, and your clients, at year end. On Wednesday (November 25th), I'll be hosting my first of 3 Year End Virtual Business Planning Sessions. Hope that you might join us for a pause around your business!

If you have looked at the new ICF Competency base which will come into effect in January you will notice a greater emphasis on reflective pause. 

Taking time in our current world (virtual or other) to take stock of what's working (and what's not), and to do some planning around where you want to go, is key for continuing to gain traction in VUCA world.

Consider the following opportunities to create more of a pause:

In your group coaching sessions by incorporating either a pause at the start of the call to bring people into the room OR sometime during the call;

  • By building in reflective pause points into part of your conversation through a series of reflective prompts;
  • Leaving 1-2 minutes at the end of the conversation for people to note their learning, and schedule their next steps, before they leave the call;
  • By hosting a year-end virtual retreat for your folks (Join me November 25th OR December 10th to participate in one real-time - PlanDoTRack Virtual Business Planning Retreat)
  • By incorporating journaling during, or after, your calls. Many coaches have purchased a copy of the Conversation Sparker Journaling Prompts this year -check them out at our Potentials Realized store.

What could you do to create more of a pause?

Check out Effective Virtual Conversations tip #8 - Read it at https://www.potentialsrealized.com/teams-365-blog/teams365-2510-flashback-friday-effective-virtual-conversations-tip-8

Check out this Coaching Business Builder Blog post I did earlier this year around the Power of a Pause - https://www.coachingbusinessbuilder.com/blog/the-power-of-the-pause-reflective-pause-tools-you-might-use

Enjoy the reflection,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Phone: (416)996-8326

Join us on December 1st last Group Coaching Essentials programs of the year. We'll be meeting on Tuesdays/Thursdays 230 - 4 pm ET on December 1, 8, 10 and 15, 2020. 8.5 CCEs. 4 spots still open. Get ready to launch your 2021 programming Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.

Thursday, November 05, 2020

Group Coaching - Back to Basics - It's all about the conversation


Welcome back to another week of the Group Coaching - Back To Basics series. This week's focus is "It's all about the conversation".

Having been a coach for many moons now - coming up to almost 19 years next year, I'm always amazed that even with all the changes in the world around us, the foundational principles and practices are just as relevant today as they were when I started. This holds true whether we are working with an individual coaching client, a group coaching client or team coaching client.

One of the things that makes coaching, coaching is the conversation. It's about multiple touch points and providing clients with the opportunity to hold conversations in a way that works for them.

I see this play out all the time in the virtual space. In a group , we may have people who are more comfortable with voice conversation, others with reflective pause and yet others via chat.

As a coach it's important that we meet them where they are at.

What are the different ways you are bringing "voices into the room"?

What are the different ways you are activating all our learning abililities. Consider :

Visual Learners

Auditory Learners

Kinesthetic Learners

At the end of the day, it's also about having space and time for the conversation. Group size needs to be small enough so people can feel like they are connected and not being talked at.  What are you doing to adjust pace throughout.

Finally, remember that for something to be considered group coaching, it needs to have no more than 15 people in the group for ICF Credentialing purposes. 

This week, what's going to be your focus to make sure it's all about the conversation?

Enjoy!

With best wishes,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Phone: (416)996-8326

Join us on Monday for one of the last Group Coaching Essentials programs of the year. We'll be meeting on Monday from 9 -1015 am ET on November 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 7th. 8.5 CCEs. 3 spots still open. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Group Coaching - Back to Basics - Working with Goals

Welcome back to another Back to Basics - Group Coaching - blog post. This series has been inspired by the radical shifts we've seen in the world this year. Group coaching continues to be an important
space for people to come together to connect, share and grow. 

Having worked my entire career around disruption and crisis, I've always been struck at how important it is in finding the patterns around what remains similar (maybe not exactly the same, but similar). As much as the context in which we group coach changes, one thing doesn't, which is working with goals. 

Goals create an important part of the map which our group coaching clients navigate. When coaching many, it's paramount that group members are clear on their own unique path of what they are working on, and how that may differ, or be similar, than other group members. 

What are you doing to provide an opportunity for group members to map out their unique goal stream?

This might include:

  • A one-page plan which everyone completes and shares within the group, or with the coach;
  • A dashboard which the client can access to note their goals
  • A goal tracker shared and commented on in Dropbox or Google Drive

What does working with goals look like for you in your programming?

At what level are you working with goals? 

Another key area with goals is to ensure that you are working with both micro-goals as well as the meta-goal. 

Meta-goals, or the 30,000 foot view, is all about helping clients connect their most important goals to their purpose, mission or WHY.

Our micro-goals (those at the ground level) are often the more practical and tactical goals. While these can be alluring to get quick wins around, note that goals also need to be grounded in with our values, beliefs etc. While developing traction and momentum around quick wins is important coaching is also about creating new awareness or insights on the part of clients as they move through their actions.

Challenges and frictions can emerge as our coaching clients move towards their goals, particularly if belief systems start to change, as their results change. Be sure to spend time going "Below the Waterline" as I share in the Coaching Business Builder Workbook and Planner.

What pause points are you making for individuals to explore where they are with their goals?

What opportunities are you providing for group member to speak to and share their goals and progress with others, along with the coach.

There are many derivatives of what is being called group coaching these days. As a credentialed coach or one who aspires to doing the best work they can, it's important that we spend time thinking about how what we are doing maps into the Core Coaching Competencies, and does not deviate into training, consulting or mentoring. 

Also make sure you are meeting the requirements of the ICF for coaching logs, in that your coaching groups are no more than 15 people. Research and practice demonstrates how group size exponentially makes the conversation shift. Larger groups than 15 are not considered a coaching group for ICF coaching log purposes.

WE dive deeper into many different ways to work with goals, awareness and action as group coaches in the Group Coaching Essentials program (8.75 CCEs) I hope that you will join me for an upcoming cohort.

Enjoy your conversations,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Phone: (416)996-8326

Join us for the one-day Virtual Facilitation Essentials program this fall. Take your virtual facilitation skills to the next level (and yes, even if you've been on zoom every day for the last 7 months there probably still are a trick or two to help you continue to create a WOW experience every time). Cost: $475 US.

 

 

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Group Coaching - Client Agreements

One of the areas I often get questions around is "What type of client agreements should I create for

Group Coaching Agreements

group coaching?".

This is a great question on multiple levels, signaling several things you will want to put into place:

#1 - Ensuring a fit for your program or offering. These conversations are likely to start before your program begins, and you will know my affinity and recommendation about the importance of a pre-call 1-1 to get to know each client AND to also ensure that there is a fit. When in doubt, share any concerns with a client, and always remember that while we can coach most, we many not be everyone's best coach. Have a network of professionals you can refer others onto.

Note that sometimes it takes a few weeks for a client to really know if the program is a right fit for them. As group coaches we need to be aware of the provisions in the ICF Code of Ethics.

Section 9 of ICF Code of Ethics and the client's right to terminate the coaching relationship at any time. The way you handle refunds and closure is a key part of building trust as well as reputation within your work. For more on this, check out Section 9 of the ICF Code of Ethics on Coaching.

#2 Group Agreements - What are the group agreements which will make for a positive learning experience?  Take time in your first session to co-create this together. While we would be more apt to specify group agreements in a mastermind or training process, given the high touch and high trust required with group coaching, it's recommended that the group spend time co-creating their agreements together.

We take a deeper dive into this topic during weeks 1 and 2 of the Group Coaching Essentials program, and also in the Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum, as it is a critical part of any coaching agreement.

#3 - Individual Coaching Plans - What is the individual coaching plans for each person? How is the client able to identify, map out and share his or her goals with you as the coach and/or with others in the group? Is there a dashboard for clients to work with, and share what they'd like? Is it done analog through a tool like the One Page Plan I share in Coaching Business Builder and PlanDoTrack? What is each person's individual coaching journey going to look like. Have them map it out.

Coaching Agreements are a critical part of the coaching process and it's important to note that in group coaching that individual group members are likely to be moving in different ways at different pace. Each group member is also going to need different levels of support to help them thrive. 

#4 - Clarifying what you are offering and what COACHING IS, and COACHING IS NOT.

AT this moment in time, there is continued diffusion around what coaching really is in the marketplace. A reminder that group coaching is not training. Group Coaching is not advising. It is about helping each of your group members create new awareness about what they already know themselves, through questions, reflective pause and dialogue. 

At this moment in time, it's useful to return back to your definition of what coaching is and how it aligns with the ICF definition of coaching. 

If you are coaching a group, note that as much learning will happen with the engagements BETWEEN the group members as the engagements with the coach. Be sure to be leaving time for group members to have conversation themselves. A group coach should not always be the one leading the show - if so, it's likely not coaching, but training!

What other layers of agreements are important to put into place with your work?

Enjoy the conversation,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Join us for the one-day Virtual Facilitation Essentials program on Thursday October 29 (930 - 4 pm ET). Take your virtual facilitation skills to the next level (and yes, even if you've been on zoom every day for the last 7 months there probably still are a trick or two to help you continue to create a WOW experience every time). Cost: $475 US.

Last call - Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (fall 2020) starts TOMORROW, FRIDAY October 23rd and will run for 5 weeks until November 20th - Fridays 12 - 130 pm Eastern. 10 CCEs with ICF. Get hands on practice and skill development.  Ideally suited for those who want feedback on their skills and to learn and connect with a small group of other coaches who are committed to refining their craft. The program is capped at 6 coaches. Cost: $525 US.




Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Stand Out Virtually 5 Day Challenge - Corporate Edition starts Monday October 5 at 12 noon ET


Many of you enjoyed the power of connection and virtual learning during the first 5 Day Stand Out Virtually Challenge I held in August, exploring practical elements you can incorporate into your virtual events and programs.

Next week - October 5 - 9 - I will be hosting the Stand Out Virtually - Corporate Edition - 5 Day Challenge. It's going to focus on helping you "up your practice" with masterful virtual design and facilitation, specifically for when you want to work with organizations (for-profit, not-for-profit..)

Live calls will be held on Monday through Friday 12 - 1230 pm ET (October 5 - 9) in my zoom room. You will receive links to resources, replay through the Stand Out Virtually List which you can sign up for here. Learn more about the Challenge at the Stand Out Virtually website.

If you'd like to participate and receive daily prizes, join us at the Virtual and Remote Visionaries Hub which will be the base for our ongoing conversations. You can join us here.

So what is the challenge all about?

We will be exploring:

We will be exploring:

  • ·     What corporate engagements can look like in the world of virtual or the hybrid

    ·       Translating your offers to the current virtual organizational context – Teams. Workflow. Key Principles. Current Needs. What’s different with remote teams

    ·       Pitfalls and mistakes to avoid in the virtual space

    ·       What’s needed in virtual engagements and events to avoid the dreaded Zoom Fatigue or Death By Conference Call

    ·       The Perfect Call Formula

    ·       Considering your offer

  • Building a business case with proposals and RFPs

Daily steps will support you in getting clear on what you want to offer, and daily assignments will support you in moving your virtual program ideas forward.

I look forward to having you join us! Mark your calendar and get on the list now!

It's not only going to be fun, it's going to connect you with others and also support you in moving your program ideas forward!

With best wishes,

Jennifer


Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Join us for the one-day Virtual Facilitation Essentials program on Thursday October 8 (930 - 4 pm ET). Take your virtual facilitation skills to the next level. Program is approved for 8.5 CCEs. 4 spots open.


Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Remote Team Support - 5 Areas

Remote Team Support - 5 Areas

Remote Teams need support right now. As they move into month seven of the year of working remotely, many are struggling to feel connected and focused on their results. 

This year, I've continued to create and provide resources for remote teams, and those who work with remote teams. I thought it would be a great idea to highlight several that you might want to tap into:

#1 - Remote Teams Want to Feel Connected -  when teams can't congregate near the watercooler on a regular basis, an important informal channel of communication gets lost. As my Remote Pathways podcast host and I shared in our most recent community call, remote professionals benefit from a range of virtual co-working experiences. Check out the 8 different remote co-working experiences we highlighted in our call last week. You can view it here (30 minutes)

#2 - Signal that it's different - We all get in ruts, and one of the big ruts right now is ineffective team meetings. Make sure you co-create expectations in your virtual calls, signaling HOW it will be different than a usual call. Be clear on what you want to create in your virtual space together.

#3 - Help teams focus on results - A continued challenge for remote teams is alignment around results. What is everyone aiming towards? What are the things that are aligned? Are different. What are you doing to make goals visible for all? How are people tracking the?

#4 - Jazz up your repertoire of tools and resources - This summer I launched the Remote Team Builders on-demand program. Consisting of 9 micro-learning modules, this on-demand course takes you into key areas of support for remote teams. We explore the 7 Remote Enablers (I cover in the Remote Working Whitepaper I launched earlier this year), as well as exercises you can use in your work around openers and closers, collaboration, styles and strengths. The program also includes several worksheets and templates for you to build upon to create your own remote team experiences. Find out more and start today over at the Remote Team Builders course. You'll find it here.

#5 - Build on the foundations - With complexity being the norm today, it is even more important that we go back to the basics on many items. This includes the foundations of team success. This includes getting crystal clear on the goals, roles, vision and several other performance factors. Check out the 6 Factors for Team Performance I share in Chapter 10 of Effective Virtual Conversations OR over at the Teams365 blog.

What's going to help the teams you support excel?

What are the conversations you want to have?

If you have a copy of my 2017 book Effective Virtual Conversations, do check out Chapters 10 and 11 which focus on Virtual and Remote TEam Development and Leadership for more ideas. You can pick up a copy of EVC in Kindle or hardcopy at Amazon. 

Have a copy and are using it? Please leave a review for others to benefit from on Amazon or where you purchased your copy!

Enjoy your discussion,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Effective Virtual Conversations | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com

Join us at the Virtual and Remote Visionaries Hub on Facebook

Upcoming programs include:

Mentor Coaching Group for ACC/PCC - starting on Monday September 28th - Mondays 8 - 9 am ET September 28 - December 28 (4 spots open)

Stay tuned for the next Stand Out Virtually 5 Day Challenge - I'm building on the success of the August Stand Out Virtually challenge to bring you another new one! This will be a NEW challenge. Sign up here to be on the list of alerts





Monday, September 07, 2020

Back to Work Resources - Video, podcast and more!

 This week marks back to work and routines, even if many of us are continuing to work remotely.

With September often being known as the second start to the year, what conversations are you having with your clients this week


To support you with your own planning and preparation, I hosted a reflective pause session earlier today as part of my PlanDoTrack work. I hope that you will carve out 25 minutes to participate. Be sure to download the accompanying worksheet as well.

Our 20th episode at the Remote Pathways podcast also focused on the topic of getting back to remote work. You can listen into the podcast here or view the community call held late last week.

What's going to help you amplify your conversations this fall?

Join me for some of our fall 2020 programming which will include programs starting this Friday and next week:

Group Coaching Essentials - 8.75 CCES - Fridays 1015 - 1130 am ET: September 14, 21, 28, October 2 and 9 - 4 spots open - learn more here.

Virtual Facilitation Essentials - 8.5 CCEs - Mondays 1230 - 145 pm ET September 21, 28, October 5, 19 and 28 2020. 5 spots open - learn more here

Mentor Coaching Group for ACC/PCC (10 hours) Select Fridays 9 - 10 am ET - September 11 to December 11 2020. Learn more here. 3 spots open.

And the one-time offering of Stand Out Virtually Studio Day/Masterclass - come design your next virtual interactive program - with us September 17th from 930 - 330 pm Eastern. 


Have a great September!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton

Award-winning Author, Coach and Program Designer

Group Coaching Essentials 

(416)996-8326

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Two Programs Starting This Week - Virtual Facilitation Essentials (8.5 CCEs) and Group Coaching Essentials (8.75 CCEs)

We are almost at the end of July, a time I often say is the messy middle of the year. While you might feel like there isn't much traction right now, in fact, it's a perfect time to get into action around your plans for virtual programming - group coaching, retreats, masterminds - for the fall!

This week I have two programs starting

Group Coaching Essentials will be starting on Wednesday July 29th from 7 - 830 pm Eastern/4-530pm Pacific. For those who know that I don't usually offer an evening session, this is that "once a year" time. We'll be meeting for 4 weeks on Wednesday July 29, August 5, 12 and 19th to explore the best practices for designing, leading and marketing your own group coaching programs. Weekly assignments will help you get your ideas out of your head to paper and into the world. This programreserve your spot here.
is approved for 8.75 CCEs with the ICF. Cost: $475 US. 3 spots are still open -

Also running on Wednesday July 29th (9- 430 pm ET on zoom) is the one day Virtual Facilitation Essentials program. Want to build out your toolkit of fun and impactful things to do on virtual calls.
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
Looking to beat Zoom Fatigue? The Virtual Facilitation Essentials program is hands-on and you get some practice opportunities. Approved for 8.5 CCEs with ICF. Cost: $475 US. 4 spots open. You also receive module notes, the slides and dozens of ideas you can apply right away whether you are designing a virtual coaching program, a webinar, a virtual retreat, or group coaching.

Can't wait to have you join us!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Teams365 Blog for Leadership and Teamwork | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com




Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Project ideas - when you might have more time to dedicate to them

As most people around the world are digging in for an extended process of self-isolation, it's a time
when motivation for ourselves and our clients can be a challenge.
What are the things that are helping you get grounded and enjoy the time you have.
It may be a great time to get started on projects which you have not had time to complete in the past including some of these that I've flagged before:

Scanning the content you have created and using one of the theme's I earmarked for myself  - the 3 Rs - Consider how you can REDUCE, REUSE or RECYCLE Content. Can a former speaking engagement now become a blog post? An image for Instagram?

Harvesting some of the questions you have been asked to create a more extensive FAQ or document. One of my projects this winter was pulling together a new whitepaper on remote work. Little did I know how relevant it would be to so many teams. Download a copy here.

Check out a list of 10 summer project ideas for coaches from several years ago - there may be some ideas you want to check out.

Check out my 2017 8.5 minute audio in this blog post, along with a pertinent 2017 blog post on 5 ways to take your programs virtual (yes, I've been talking about this for a while!)

Here is a list of projects I'm working on right now, beyond my usual coaching work:
Building out a program that is connected to a manuscript related to remote work
  • Edits for a manuscript I started as part of last November's NANOWRIMO project
  • Working on initial design of a new product leveraging the power of icons
  • Creating a digital license for my newest card deck - the Conversation Sparker Journaling Deck which launched a few months ago as a hard copy deck but hadn't been offered digitally yet (digital is the way to go I've realized as we are no longer shipping items for the moment).
  • Cataloguing content created in my blogs
  • Writing out content for the 52 weeks series of blog posts for my podcast - RemotePatways. We're in week 11 with a focus on communication right now. Take a read, and be sure to download it.
  • Preparation for several corporate sessions which have moved from in-person to virtual;
  • Preparation for the upcoming Spring programs - including Friday's Mentor Coaching Group for ICF ACC/PCC, and Monday's Group Coaching Essentials program (8.75 CCEs), plus next Wednesday's one-day Virtual Facilitation Essentials offering (8.5 CCEs)  
  • Slowly tackling old files and paper that had taken over my desk
Want some inspiration? Grab a pen and check out some of the more reflective sessions I've recorded including the
Quarterly Review (27 minutes) - View it here
Annual To Do List (30 minutes) - View it here.
Vision Work (30 minutes) - View it here

Finally, here a list of of the projects coaches I'm working with are working on:
  • Building out new programs
  • Catching up on their coaching log
  • Updating websites
  • Catching up on transcriptions
  • Getting rest and recharging time
  • Getting reading done
  • Deep cleaning their office in terms of file etc.
  • Developing marketing strategy
  • Mapping out new podcast series
 
What is important for you to be focusing on at this time?

Hungry for connection with others? Join me Monday through Thursday at 12 noon ET for a Virtual Lunch for 20 minutes in my zoom room (270-302-0415) focusing on virtual conversations. Also consider joining us on Friday March 20th from 730-8 am ET for the Remote Pathways Community Call.

Enjoy,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Teams365 | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com




Thursday, March 12, 2020

Shifting your coaching to the remote space? Check out these resources

With the current global context, social distancing is becoming a recommended go-to by many
Getting Started in the Virtual Space
governments around the world. What implications is this having for your coaching work?

For many coaches it is meaning a shift of their conversations over into the virtual and remote space, not only for individual coaching clients, but also group and team coaching clients.


The virtual space has been a primary focus for me in my work as a coach over the last 16 years, as well as the years leading up to that when I managed virtual and remote teams across the world in my work as a Program Manager for the international humanitarian sector.

In today's post I wanted to share a number of resources you may find useful if you are needing to transition over the remote space. Please also share these with your clients as they too are also looking to shift operations to work from home for many teams, or remote work for others who still need to be in the office.

Resource #1 - Resources from the International Coach Federation
I was honored to partner with ICF on creating three videos for members on how to transition your coaching over the remote space, just a few days ago, as part of their support for coaches at this time. You can find these videos, along with other resources for member coaches, and the wider community, and our clients at this the page ICF has set up - https://coachfederation.org/covid-19-resources-for-coaches

You'll find three different videos I created:
#1 - Getting Started
#2 - Top 10 Things to Consider
#3 - Trust, Safety and Connection

Much of the content I share in these videos come from my 2017 book, Effective Virtual Conversations. You may want to pick up a copy of it at Amazon (print and kindle editions)

Resource #2 - Remote Pathways.com
Last fall I partnered with PlanDoTrack facilitator and coach, Michelle Mullins, to co-host the Remote Pathways podcast. It's grounded in some of the new writing i've been engaging with around remote work since last year.
We've released 8 different episodes about the different pathways people find themselves on in the remote space, and have just started releasing episodes with our guests - including the recent one on Strengths and Remote Work with Jennifer Grote (Episode 8)

In addition to the Remote Pathways podcast, I am also doing a weekly blog series there as well. Week 10 focuses on Peer Support in the Remote Space. Enjoy the downloads offered each week.

Resource #3 - Remote Working Whitepaper. 
Check out the 24 page Whitepaper I've pulled together on remote work, based on the writing I've done over at the Teams365 blog these past few years on remote teams.

You can get a copy of the Whitepaper here at the Resource Hub.

I also dedicated the March 2020 Newsletter to Virtual and Remote. You can view it here.

Resource #4 - Let's work together
Finally (and most importantly), many of the programs I offer have a specific focus on the virtual space including:

Virtual Facilitation Essentials - boost your virtual faciltiation toolkit with this ICF CCE approved program (8.5 CCEs including 5.5 core competencies). Offered in a convenient one day virtual format or 5 week series, I take you through the best practices of leading and designing highly interactive virtual calls. Whether you are coaching, facilitating a virtual team day, or a virtual retreat, you'll leave the program with lots of ideas and more confidence with how to navigate in teh remote space. Each participant leads a virtual energizer, opener or closer.

Upcoming dates include:
Friday March 13th (930 - 5 pm ET) - One day format
Wednesday March 25 - One Day format
Wednesday April 1 - One Day Format

The five week series starts again Monday March 30th from 130 - 245 pm eT, on March 30, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2020 (April 13th may be replaced with a date on May 1)

Cost: $475 US which includes the course, module notes, and 1-1 time with me (pre call, post call and 2 other laser calls -15 min)

Learn more and reserve your spot.

Or perhaps you decide to book me for some 1-1 time. You can choose from a 45 minute ask me anything mentoring session, a six hour strategy session, or a series of coaching conversation around your programming. Find out the options and availability here.

You can also simply drop me an email and let's set up a time to chat.

I look forward to acting as a resource for you as you continue to navigate and grow in this area.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Teams365 | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com


Join us for an upcoming CCE approved program, including the
 Mentor Coaching Group - for ACC/PCC - starts Friday March 20th at 9 am ET (10 hours meeting ICF mentor coaching requirement)
Virtual Facilitation Essentials program (8.5 CCEs),
Group Coaching Essentials (8.5 CCES) starts Monday March 23 at 9 am ET (calls Mondays 9 - 1015 am eT - March 23, 30, April 6, 20, 27), or the
Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (10 CCES) starting April 3rd (Mondays 3 - 415 pm ET)
 

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Join me Wednesday March 25 for the Virtual Faciliation Essentials program (8.5 CCEs)

Looking to build out your virtual facilitation toolkit? Want to become more confident and
A Virtual Train-the-Trainer - Virtual Facilitation Essentials
comfortable with all the tools available to you for virtual calls - breakouts, polls, annotation?

Join me as I take a dive into Effective Virtual Conversations, my 2017 book. We explore best practices for designing and leading webinars, virtual group coaching, as well as interactive sessions like virtual team development, virtual co-working sessions and virtual retreats.

The program is a highly interactive online session and will be held on one day - Wednesday March 25th from 10 - 5:30 pm ET.

In addition to the one day of live learning, focused on both content and giving you a chance to practice your skills, you will also complete a blended learning assignment, giving you the chance to go deeper into your learning in areas including tricky issues, exercises, and how to use the interactive functions available.

Cost: $475 US.

Click here to register and reserve your spot.

Here's what our day is going to look like:

Module 1 – Virtual Facilitation Foundations
  • Four Essential ingredients for virtual facilitation
  • The range of virtual facilitation options
  • Core Skills for Virtual Facilitation -and how yours stack up

Module 2 – Approaches and Engagement Strategies for Effective Virtual Learning
  • Different virtual design options
  • Foundations of engagement – practical approaches for engagement
  • Core elements for Effective, and Engaging, Virtual Events

Module 3 – Building your Facilitation Toolkit
Whether you are leading meetings, webinars or other virtual events, having a robust toolkit to draw up upon is key. This session introduces you to more than 12 virtual facilitation approaches – from openers, to closers to goal setting and accountability in the virtual space.

Module 4 – Exploring the Technologies
  • Exploring breakouts and technology issues
  • Core logistical issues to consider
  • Different roles in a virtual event
  • Evaluating virtual events
 
Module 5 - Tricky Issues and open space for additional topics
In module five we explore common tricky issues around technology, design and participant issues, along with how to mitigate against them.

I hope that you'll join us! Register right now.

 Can't make our special Wednesday March 25th session  Join me for a future one day Wednesday session (additional sessions scheduled for April 1 or May 3) or the five-week offering starting on March 30th. 

Learn more here and reserve your spot!

Want more on Virtual Conversation tips? 

Check out the weekly Effective Virtual Conversations tips at the Teams365 blog at my main site - Potentials Realized.com.

With best wishes,
Jennifer

 Jennifer Britton - Group Coaching Essentials | Teams365 | Potentials Realized
Instagram @Remote Pathways (for remote workers) and @CoachingBizBuilder (for coaches)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (2010), Coaching Business Builder (2018), Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013). Check out my author page on Amazon for all publications.
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com


Join us for an upcoming CCE approved program, including the Virtual Facilitation Essentials program (8.5 CCEs), Group Coaching Essentials (8.5 CCES), or the Advanced Group and Team Coaching Practicum (10 CCES) starting April 3rd