Group Coaching: Ins and Outs

Coaching Business Builder - Build Momentum Around Your Most Important Goals

2012-01-30T07:08:00.002-05:00

What momentum are you creating in your business this year? As coaches build and expand their businesses, momentum can take on a life of it's own.

Over the years I've seen a lot of coaches fall into the over-planning, analysis-paralysis place, where "I'm just not ready" or "I don't have enough information" takes over. What are you clear on with your business? What are the steps you want to be taking on a regular basis?

At the end of last year during my year end BizSuccess Virtual Retreat, I asked coaches to consider:
1. What are your most important goals for 2012?
2. What's going to help you get there?
3. What might get in the way?
4. What are the regular steps you want to be undertaking to support your action?

Consider these questions for yourself. Remember that consistent action over time, adds up, and creates a momentum of their own.

As we look into the month of February, what are the one or two focus areas that you really want to take action on? What makes these goals so important? In achieving them, what will this create?.

Make these goals visible and make sure time is scheduled for them.

Have a great start to the week!

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - Next teleseminar starts Feb 16th (Thurs 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: Feb 16, 23, Mar 1, 15 and 22)
Connect with Us - Facebook and Twitter

Group Coaching - Is Everyone Coachable?

2012-01-25T09:28:00.002-05:00

Establishing the coaching focus and agreement with your group members (clients) is an essential part of any group coaching process. Many will recognize this as a core coaching competency of the ICF.

A key question to consider is "Is everyone coachable?". This issue may take on even more importance in the context where people are mandated to attend a group coaching process, for example, a group coaching program for people being onboarded as new hires.

I came across an old favorite on my bookshelf the other day - Lisa Haneberg's Coaching Basics book from ASTD Press. You may want to check it out. Lisa writes "Coachabilty is a state of mind that can be changed in an instance".

As it relates to designing your own programs, some of things to note with each group member in the start up of the coaching agreement are:
- What is their level of openness to feedback, observation, working with others?
- How open are they to learning/development opportunities?
- How open are they to different opinions? Different perspectives?
- How aware are they regarding what coaching is? Is not?
- What support are they really looking for? How does coaching fit/not fit into this?
- Does the person want coaching? Are they wanting to make a change? Take action? Be accountable for their results?

Taking time getting to know each group member is a key component for success. Getting to know each person, their preferences, their motivations as well as what they want and need, is key to positioning our work, as well as key to seeing how coaching can/cannot support, and other supports which may be needed.

Consider what you can build in to enhance your relationship with each group member, as well as the relationships amongst group members. Remember that trust is an essential element for group members engaging in the coaching process. Have you spent enough time supporting the group to get to know each other?

This week as you work with your clients - individuals, groups and teams, notice the impact of how you have created the coaching agreement. Also take note of the barriers to coaching, and what other supports could benefit the client.

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCES) - Next session starts Thursday February 16th (Thurs 10:30 -11:45 am Eastern: Feb 16, 23, Mar 1, 15 and 22) by phone

Benefits of Group Coaching To Organizations

2012-01-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Benefits of Group Coaching To Organizations
Copyright 2012 - Jennifer Britton, All Rights Reserved

For years, many organizations have been employing external and internal coaches to work with their leaders. In recent years, many organizations have added team and group coaching as development opportunities for their staff.

Whether it is a group coaching process which follows up a training initiative to sustain the conversation, or a stand-alone group coaching process for new managers, sales professionals, new employees, the following organizational benefits can accrue:

1. Enhanced reinforcement of learning and transferability to the workplace
2. Strengthened communication across the organization - silos/departments
3. Cross-functional Fertilization
4. Enhanced informal networks for staff
5. Culture change
6. Maximizing time and money

I expand on these benefits in my book Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010, Chapter 2).

Here are a couple of examples of how organizations have positioned group coaching:

Women transitioning back to the work force after maternity leave participate in a group coaching process. Benefits include enhancing their internal networks, and strengthened communication across the organization.

A global organization is building their own internal coaching culture, and key personnel from different offices are trained in coaching skills. Group Coaching calls held on a regular basis for six months after the initial training, supports group members to share their learning, take action on their learning plans, identify additional supports needed, and share best practices.

A national insurance organization equips their national training team with skills in group coaching, to enhance their own skill base in order to more effectively support their learners and new recruits, for better transferability of the learning process.

How could group coaching benefit your organization in breaking down silos, enhancing learning and/or maximizing your investments? As always, please feel free to share using the comments below or connect at our Facebook page.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials - new sessions starting Jan 24th (Tuesdays at 10:30 am ET) and February 16th - 6.75 CCEs with the ICF

Four Reasons to Evaluate Your Group Coaching Work

2012-01-19T08:52:00.004-05:00

Evaluation is an often overlooked component of the group coaching process. What do you do for evaluation of your programs? Here are four reasons why evaluation is really important:

1. To get a sense of the pulse of the group. Checking in with the group at the end of each session, and throughout is an important action to get a sense of the where the group is. In addition to "formal" feedback, scan the group throughout (whether virtual or in person) and notice the body language, words and energy of the interactions. Also notice what is not being said within the group.

2. To allow you to make changes to the pace, flow and structure of the program, real time. This feedback, both formal and real-time will enable you to change the flow, language and even structure of the program to meet the needs of that particular group. If you are a coach who runs the same group coaching program month after month with different groups, notice how it plays out differently each time, because of the different group needs.

3. For marketing purposes - Ask and listen throughout the program for what group members are learning, taking away, and having insights around. Your current group members will be great advocates based on their experience. Also do not overlook the power of a testimonial or personal recommendation from an alumni of your work. Ask group members as to what they see as the benefits and focus of the work - in the short term, medium term and long term.

4. For your own learning - As a coach, feedback is critical to know how we are meeting the needs of our clients. As we mature in our work, we may not have the same formal feedback structures that newer coaches have through supervisions, coach training and/or mentor coaching.

Questions to Consider:
What feedback have you recently received about your coaching and its' impact?
What themes you you notice?
As you reflect on the feedback you have received, what changes do you want to make?
What types of feedback do you want to build in/ask for, going fowrard?

Have a terrific week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials - Next program starts Tuesday Jan 24th from 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern. Group Calls on Jan 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21 (6.75 CCEs with the ICF)

Group Coaching Trends for 2012

2012-01-10T08:27:00.003-05:00

What do you see as the trends for group coaching during 2012? I addressed some of the trends I saw for this year in last month's 8th Annual Year End Group Programs Call. If you missed it, you can listen to it here (45 minutes)

Some of the trends I see as being important for this year as it relates to group coaching includes:
1. Continued diversification of types of clients/people getting involved in group coaching processes at a personal level. Back in January of 2006 when I started offering the Group Coaching Essentials programs to coaches, group coaching was raising the eyebrows of even coaches. In the last year I saw coaches go through this program with the aim to take their own group coaching to their client groups - parents, retirees, new moms, students, those in career transition, business owners, men, women, international professionals, and the list could go on. Group Coaching is also spreading the globe. Last year I worked with coaches from as far an wide as Australia, Turkey, Ireland, Germany, Bolivia, and theCzech Repulic.

Question to Consider: Which of your clients do you think would be interested, and would benefit from group coaching?

2. Continued diversification of organizations leveraging group coaching - It has also been interesting to note how group coaching is being utilized by different types of organizations - government, health care, education, financial services, safety, professional services. While some are adding a group coaching element onto their current training initiatives (i.e. leadership) to sustain the conversation, other organizations are looking to add group coaching initiatives as a stand alone, add-on or enhancement to their current coaching offerings.

Question to consider: If you work with organizations, how can they utilize group coaching to enhance their business results?

3. Leveraging Technology - As technology continues to change and as people become more comfortable with using these different tools, there is potential for group coaching leverage these domains. Although their have been some new tools in this last year, like Google Hangouts, coaches should be considerate to barriers which still exist for their group members in using the technology as well as the security and ability to maintain a confidential environment.

Question to Consider: What barriers exist for your participants/clients/group members to participate? How can technology support, or add to this?

And in closing,

As a coach this year what activities have you identified as helping you keep on focus and in action?
What activities are you going to undertake to continue to build relationships, and add value, to your client base?
What steps will you take to systematize your programs? (Check out my post yesterday on Leverage)
As a coach, what steps will you take to keep your skills in working with groups sharp? Coaching is a skill set, and like a muscle, "if you don't use it, you lose it?". What is your commitment to keeping your skills sharp this year?

Have a wonderful week,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Coaching Business Builder - Leverage

2012-01-09T08:40:00.003-05:00

For years I've talked about the importance of leverage in building a coaching business. The concept of leverage comes from the scientific concept of the lever, which can be used to enhance or expand the amount of effort undertaken.

As you think about your business and work this year ask yourself:

1. What does leverage mean to me? To my business?
2. What would leverage look like?
3. What actions can I use to maximize my efforts?
4. What people can help me expand my efforts?
5. What content/materials do I already have in place that I could expand or leverage?
6. How could I use this? Would this be a new program? Product? Ebook?

As you move through this week, notice what opportunities for leverage exist.

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching(Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Phone: 416.996.8326
Two new programs start this week - Mentor Coaching Group for ACC Renewals and ACC/PCC Portfolio Routes (Friday 12 - 1 pm ET - 1 spot still open) and the ICF CCE Approved Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCES - Thurs 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2 and 9 - 3 spots still open). Hope you will join us!

Upcoming January Programs - Mentor Coaching Group, Group Coaching Essentials

2012-01-03T09:22:00.003-05:00

Here's a quick listing of upcoming programs of interest to coaches, and other professionals looking to launch their own group programs this year:

Group Coaching Essentials (Approved for 6.75 CCEs with the ICF)

Upcoming Programs start by phone :

January 2012: Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 Eastern/New York: January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 2012 (4 spots available) OR
January/February: Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21 (5 spots open) OR
February/March: Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: Feb 16, 23, March 1, 15 and 22 (wide open)

Click here for more info and to register.

Each month I work with a small group of coaches (maximum 6-8) in the Group Coaching Essentials program. The program covers tools, exercises and resources to support coaches with the design, marketing and implementation of their own group coaching programs. We look at both in person and virtual (web and phone) based programs, as well as tips for groups from the general public and organizations. The program includes 5 x 75 minute calls, access to weekly lazer/laser(15 minute) 1-1 calls with me (at no additional cost), and an 80 page manual (delivered in weekly modules). Benefit from the accountability and structure of the program to get your own group coaching program going!
Price: $375 US or $375 CDN (including HST)

Click here for more info and to register for upcoming Group Coaching Essentials programs.

"I love programs that give you lots of useable takeaways. By that, I mean that I can use the materials I receive immediately in my business. The Group Coaching Essentials program gave me just that. Not only has it jump started my group coaching offerings, it will pay for itself many times over in the additional revenue I will generate."

Nan O'Connor, MCC, http://www.nanoconnor.com

Advanced Group Coaching Practicum (By Phone)

Starts Tuesdays 12 - 1:15 pm Eastern/9-10:15 am Pacific: Jan 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21 and March 6

Are you a Group Coaching Essentials alumni and want to gain further practice and get feedback on your group coaching skills? The Advanced Group Coaching Practicum provides coaches with the opportunity to gain more experience in leading a group, as well as take their knowledge base deeper. Each call will focus on an advanced group coaching issue. During each session one coach will lead us through a sample group coaching process and will receive feedback on their skills (written and verbal). Please contact me directly if you have questions. The program includes the 6 calls, lazer 1-1 with me, worksheets and an e-manual. Cost:$375 for the 6 sessions. Pre-requisite: Group Coaching Essentials. Reserve your spot in the Advanced Group Coaching Practicum here.

Group Coaching Intensive (In Person Training, 15 hrs)
April 13-14, 2012 - Toronto, CANADA Described by past particpants as a "Must HAVE" for any group coach" and a "fantastic incubator for group coaching practice", this two day in-person group coaching training program focuses on providing coaches with both knowledge and content as well as practice, and feedback, on their group coaching skills. The course covers core group coaching skills, along with practical tips and tools for designing, running and marketing your own programs. Both new and experienced coaches can benefit from this program, as can alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program.
Participants will leave the program with tools, resources, skills and practice in group coaching, covering key topics including core skills, tricky issues, best practices, structure, exercises/tools, and group process for group coaching. This is really an intimate look at group coaching, and space is limited to 6-8 coaches. Contact us for more info on the venue.

The program includes:

15 hours of instruction and contact in an in-person environment (An application will be submitted for renewal of the program's approval of 15 ICF CCES - 13 hrs Core Competencies, 2 hrs Business Development)
The Group Coaching Intensive Manual
A Group Coaching Toolbox (yes! your own physical toolbox of program tools and resources)
A copy of the Effective Group Coaching book
A follow up call with Jenn and the group in December

Venue: Toronto, CANADA.
Hours: Friday April 13 (8:30 - 4:30) and Saturday April 14 (8:30 - 4:30) and group follow up call
Early Bird Price: $775 plus HST = $875.75 CDN. Regular Price$950 CDN plus HST (total $1073.50).
Click here to reserve your space at the Early Bird Pricing.

Can't make it to Toronto in April? Join me this coming summer in Muskoka July 12-13 in Huntsville, Muskoka. National Geographic rated Msukoka once again as a top 10 Summer Getaways again this year! Make a plan to come and explore it during 2012.

Mentor Coaching Group

Starts January 13th - Fridays 12 - 1 pm Eastern/9-10 am Pacific (By Phone)

The Mentor Coaching Group will be of interest for ACC renewals, as well as those working towards their ACC and PCC portfolio applications with the ICF. This is a 10 hour mentor coaching program, which includes 7 hours of group mentor coaching calls, and 3 hours of individual mentor coaching sessions (held monthly). We look at all 11 core coaching competencies of the ICF, and coaches have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on their skills during the program. Each week you'll receive worksheets to support you with your learning. Click here for more info about the mentor coaching groups.

The next group is scheduled to start on Fridays from 12-1 pm Eastern/9-10 am Pacific on January 13th. Group Calls will be held on January 13, 20, 27, Feb 10, 24, March 9 and April 13, 2012. Space is limited to 4-6 coaches. If you have a group of 4 of your own and want to get started earlier, please give me a call.
Current pricing: $1000/10 hours program. Pricing will increase in January for other 2012 groups.

Reserve your spot in the January 2012 Group here - 2 spots open!

I look forward to having you join me for an upcoming program. If you have any questions, or would like to register offline, please feel free to contact me directly at (416) 996-8326 or by email.

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Email: info{at}potentialsrealize{dot}com

What's Going to Be Your Focus in 2012?

2012-01-03T08:59:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to all readers of the Group Coaching Ins and Outs blog! I hope that your year has started off well. What's going to be your focus for 2012? Today's post includes some questions to help you zoom into what you want to create in your group program work this year, whether it is a group coaching program, workshop, retreat or teleclass. Take some time this week to reflect on, and take note of the following questions for yourself:

1. What are the top 3 most important goals for my work this year?
2. The impact I want to have with my work this year is.....
3. Key focus areas/themes I want to keep an eye on are....
4. The resources I can draw on this year are....
5. ____ will support me in getting the results I want....
6. _____ may detract from me getting the results I want....
7. I want to invest in the following for my own professional development/work this year - ______
8. The major stretch point for me this year will be.....
9. The one system which will help me easily replicate/duplicate/expand my work this year will be....
10. At the end of the year, December 31st, I will be happy to say....

Have a terrific start to the new year! For those who missed my 2011 Year End Group Programs call which included some key programming/technical tips for your group programs this year, you can link to it at our Facebook page.

I look forward to continuing to act as a resource for you throughout the coming year. If you have any specific questions you would like to see highlighted/addressed over the coming months, drop me a line!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Selecting Group Coaching Exercises and Activities

2011-12-15T07:55:00.003-05:00

Coaching exercises, conversations and activities form the backdrop of a group coaching process. In designing your next group coaching session (corporate or public, by phone or in-person), consider the following in selecting activities:

1. The level of trust and depth of relationships amongst the group members - How well does the group know each other? Trust each other? Do relationships span outside of the group coaching context?
2. The comfort zone of the group - Each group is going to have their own comfort zone. One group's stretch is another group's baby steps. Consider what the comfort zone is for the specific group yo u are working with.
3. Previous experience with the coaching process - Different groups will have different prior experience with the coaching process. If you are doing organizational work, does a coaching culture already exist? If not, ensure that there is clarity about what people can expect.
4. Progression of topics - Consider the flow of the program overall. How does one topic link to another. What pre-work would benefit the group in setting things up and having them come with some reflection and/or action already undertaken.
5. What people can expect/want as a takeaway - a final consideration may in fact be your starting point for selection. What can people expect or what do they want as the outcome of the session - exploration around an issue, clarity, goal setting action? Consider how different activities can be adapted for different purposes, or if in fact they have an emphasis on one approach more than another.

What other questions do you want to consider in selecting group coaching activities for your next session?

Have a terrific week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Join me for a one day Virtual Business Planning Retreat next Thursday Dec 22nd (10-4 pm ET) - carve out time to plan, focus and take action on your business success for 2012! Retreat from your office.
Connect with us:
Twitter
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/effectivegroupcoaching

2012 Virtual BIzPlanning Retreat - Thurs Dec 22nd

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to spending the day with many of you virtually on Thursday December 22nd. From 10-4 pm Eastern that day I will be running the 2012 BizSuccess Virtual Business Planning Retreat. The program is geared for coaches, trainers, consultants and other service based professionals who are wanting to grow their business next year. I'll be bringing in some of the best tools from the 90 Day BizSuccess program to support you in creating a great foundational plan for the new year.

Throughout the six hour program, we will be meeting as a group each hour for approximately 15 minutes by phone to explore some key issues for our 2012 business plans. The rest of the hour will be spent offline at our own homes or offices working through a series of structured business planning exercises.

The focus of the day is on giving you the time and space to FOCUS on planning, and also take ACTION, on key areas for your business success.

Each registrant receives a Virtual Retreat Manual complete with exercises for the day, as well as templates for you to take forward with your own plans for 2012. I will hold a pre-program 1-1 call with each one of you prior to the start of the program, and will be available for individual business coaching throughout the 6 hour day as part of your registration. We'll also set a date to meet in early January to see how our plans and action are evolving for a short 30 min group coaching call.

Cost for the program is $195 US. Callers are responsible for their own long distance charges to connect to the bridgeline.

For more information and to register, please check here.

Please note you can also pair this program with next Friday's (December 16th) Group Program Design Virtual Retreat Intensive. Wanting to take ACTION on your group program ideas (teleclass, workshop, retreat or group coaching) and make it real for 2012? Join me for a six hour structured series of exercises designed to support you in crafting the skeleton of your program design, marketing and implementation support. The program is of a similar format with focus on group program design. Hours - 10-4 pm Eastern.

Hope that you will join us!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Registration now open for January Group Coaching Essentials programs. New teleseminars start Jan 12 and 24th. 6.75 CCEs with the ICF.

Coaching Business Builder - Fostering Your Relationships

2011-12-08T08:47:00.003-05:00

Relationships are critical in building and maintaining your coaching business. Word of mouth often play a key role in generating business. What do you do to keep in touch with, within your networks or web of relationships?

Earlier this week I spoke about the importance of relationship management to professionals in both the HR and Financial services sector. It is just as important for us as coaches. What do you do to keep in touch, and be in dialogue with those in your network?

Consider the following questions:

What do you do well in fostering your relationships for your business?
Who are your key stakeholders? Advocates? Strategic Partners? Allies?
What activities do you have planned to keep in touch with these people?
Who do you want to add to your web of relationships? (Connectors, key influencers, new advocates)?
In the coming year what additional focus do you want to place on building your relationships?

Never underestimate the importance of your relationships and creating community. As one coach said on my 8th Annual Year End Call last week (click here to access the recording link), she came to be in community and connect with others.

In fostering your relationships (virtual and in-person) consider the myriad of ways you can stay connected - by phone, web, email, social media, presentations, drop in community calls etc. Where do you want to put your focus?

Have a great week
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley 2011)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

8th Annual Year End Group Programs Call - Fri Dec 2 at 12 noon ET

2011-12-01T09:10:00.007-05:00

I'll be holding my 8th Annual Year End Group Programs call tomorrow, Friday December 2nd, from 12-12:45 pm Eastern. This has become one of my favorite annual traditions for me. I hope that you will join me and other coaches as we take a look back at 2011 successes, and look at 2012 trends for group programs. I'll be sharing some insights which will be useful if you are undertaking your own work (or planning to) in the areas of group coaching, teleclasses, webinars, or workshops.

Please feel free to join us at 12 noon Eastern (New York/Toronto) Friday December 2nd at 1-218-862-1300, access 503003.

There is no cost to participate other than your own long distance charges to the bridgeline.

Can't make it? I'll be posting the recording over at the Effective Group Coaching Facebook page early next week.

Best wishes as we move into this final month of the year!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Join us for one of our remaining 2011 programs - the one day 2012 Business Planning Virtual Retreat (Thurs Dec 22nd from 10-4pm ET by phone) and the Group Program Design Virtual Retreat (Friday December 16th from 10-4 pm ET by phone)
Registration open for January's Group Coaching Essentials program - starting Jan 12th (Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am) and Jan 24th (Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 AM ET). Advanced Group Coaching Practicum will start Jan 24th (Tuesdays 12 - 1:15 pm ET)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized(dot)com

Team Coaching Resources

2011-11-28T14:06:00.001-05:00

I've recently had a number of requests from coaches who are working with teams in organizations, who are eager for team coaching resources. As I wrote in a post a few weeks ago, team and group coaching are sisters. For those looking for team coaching resources you may wish to check out the following books:
1. David Clutterbuck's book - Coaching the Team at Work
2. Leadership Team Coaching: Developing Collective Transformational Leadership - Peter Hawkins (geared for leaders as coach)

I also continue to sing the praises of the work of Team Coaching International and the Team Diagnostic Assessment which I have used with numerous teams, all to great success, as well as the work of the Center for Right Relationship's ORSC (Organization and Relationships Systems Coaching) model - superb for working with couples, relationships and teams.

Are there any specific team coaching resources you would recommend to other coaches? Please feel free to comment and list it below.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCEs) - final teleclass of the year starts on December 1st - 3 spots still open. Tues/Thurs 7-8:15 pm ET: Dec 1, 6, 8, 13, 15

Group Coaching - Supports for the Coach

2011-11-22T08:25:00.003-05:00

This year I have spoken with many different groups of coaches, at ICF conferences, SIGs and other coach gatherings. Recently I was asked, What supports can support coaches in doing their own group coaching work? Great question.

I've written a lot over the years about Systems which can be useful in your business (check out some of the business development posts using the right hand tab) when running group coaching. Today I wanted you to think about some of the roles/people which might be helpful in doing your best work possible.

Here are some of the roles/tasks which might help you to focus on getting your work done, or in doing the best work possible:

- Admin support for registrations, payments, communication
- Web - website/social media/payments
- Moderator to support you during the program if you are using more technology (i.e. webinar). Note the ethical issues which would arise if you bring a moderator in for group coaching work. Have they agreed to confidentiality? How will their presence impact the group coaching conversation? My preference is always to involve others as a full blown co-facilitator/co-leader, if I need to bring others in
- Editor/Graphic Designer - help with materials production/graphics etc
- Marketing - one of the areas coaches continue to find a challenge
- Accountant/Bookkeeper

So does this mean that you need to go out an hire all these people? Not necessarily. Think about where you already may bring strengths/skills in these areas. Some of the roles may also be nice to have versus need to have. Consider if you do need to outsource these or if you can cover off the bases yourself. Personally, many of you know my preference for keeping it in house by using your own strengths, without detracting from your time available to do great work with groups.

Have a terrific week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC, CHRP
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
December Accelerated Group Coaching Essentials program starts December 1st (6.75 CCEs): December 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15 (Tues/Thurs 7-815 pm ET). Acquire skills and tools to design, market and implement your own group coaching work next year.
Join me Friday December 2 and 9 for the 2012 Business Planning Virtual Retreat (1-4 pm ET both afternoons)
Next Mentor Coaching Group (ACC/PCC) starts January 6th (Fridays 12 - 1 pm Eastern). Max 4 coaches.

CSTD A Trainers Essential Coaching Toolkit Follow up

2011-11-18T08:47:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all CSTD Conference participants who joined me for yesterday's session "A Trainers Essential Coaching Toolkit". The slides from the presentation should be available to you through the CSTD Conference Website - you'll notice a small change in order, but not content. If you would like another copy, please feel free to reach out to me.

I hope that when you get back to the office you make note of the one action step you had committed to with your coaching partner.

I had promised to post the quiz results - here they are:

1. T
2. T
3. F
4. F
5. T
6. F
7. T
8. T
9. T
10. T
11. T
12 F
13. T
14. T
15. T

I'll be hosting my 8th Annual Year End Group Programs call on Friday December 2nd from 12 - 12:30 pm Eastern. Please feel free to join me for this call at 1-218-862-1300, access 503003. There is no cost to participate other than your own long distance charges.

For many more tips, tools and ideas around group coaching, please check out this blog, as well as our Facebook, YouTube and other social media sites (listed below). You may also want to check out the Twitter feed from @dscohen64 who captured some of the key points of the presentation. Thanks!

If you have any questions about coaching skills training please follow this link. You'll find some case studies of coaching skills training design and delivery work I've done with UNICEF and the Cooperators National Training Team here in Canada. It may give you some ideas of possible starting points for coaching skills training within your organization/team.

Please feel free to email or call me with any questions you may have, or coaching resources you are looking for.

I look forward to keeping in touch!

Warm regards
Jennifer Britton

Potentials Realized | GroupCoachingEssentials.com
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
2012 Group Coaching Intensive Training Programs (Toronto and Muskoka)

Connect with Us:
Facebook - EffectiveGroupCoaching page
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/jennbritton
YouTube - Effective Group Coaching Tips
Phone: 416.996.8326
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Last call - Group Coaching Essentials starts Nov 15th at 10:30 am ET

2011-11-14T16:12:00.005-05:00

A quick reminder of our two final Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar programs (approved for 6.75 CCEs with the ICF), which start November 15th and December 1st.

Looking to add group coaching to your mix and want road-tested tips and tools for in person or phone based group coaching programs, with public or corporate groups?

The Group Coaching Essentials program covers:

* The Foundation of Group Coaching – What is Group Coaching, How does Group Coaching Differ from Training and Workshops, 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 Clients, General Marketing Principles, Finding Your Marketing Sweet Spot

* Filling Up Your Toolbox – Exercises and Other Resources for Group Coaching (for Virtual, in person, public and corporate programs

* The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Group Coaches

We will cover the nuts and bolts of group coaching, and provide you with tools, templates and resources to support you with your own program design, marketing and implementation. Weekly assignments are structured so that you will leave the program having taken steps with your own program design.

Upcoming Program Dates include:

Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:45 am Eastern: November 15, 22, 29, December 13 and 20, 2011 - 3 spots open

Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:15 pm Eastern: December 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2011 - 5 spots open

More information about the program and a registration link can be found at our site.

The cost of the program is $375 USD (or $375 Canadian including HST), and includes:

* 5 x 75 minute teleseminar calls

* An 80 page Manual (delivered by email in weekly modules)

* Pre and Post-course one-on-one meetings with me, focusing on your group coaching vision, your individual project and learning needs;

* Access to lazer (15 minute) 1-1 weekly coaching calls with me during the course of the program at no extra cost.

This is a hands-on, interactive program. Calls will be recorded if you can’t make a session.

Here’s what previous participants have said about the program:

“I love programs that give you lots of useable takeaways. By that, I mean that I can use the materials I receive immediately in my business. The Group Coaching Essentials program gave me just that. Not only has it jump started my group coaching offerings, it will pay for itself many times over in the additional revenue I will generate.”

Nan O'Connor, MCC, http://www.nanoconnor.com

You can register for any of our upcoming programs directly at http://www.groupcoachingessentials.com/pages/gec. If you have any questions, or would like to register by phone, please contact me by email at info@potentialsrealized.com or direct at 416.996.8326.

With best wishes for your own group work in the coming months,

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Core Coaching Competency - Powerful Questions

2011-11-07T08:28:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share with you one of the articles I wrote for my newsletter this month on Powerful Questions. You can read this month's edition of the Group Coaching Nuggets newsletter here. Enjoy!

Core Coaching Competency - Powerful Questions

One of the most important coaching skills to use, whether you are working one on one, with teams or groups, is powerful questions. In fact, powerful questions can create the foundation of a wonderful group coaching sessions. Powerful questions can be the backbone of conversations in a larger group, in pairs or even triads.

Let's imagine that you are working around the topic of strengths. One way to work wth a group on this topic is to have them complete some pre-work about strengths before your session. Perhaps as pre-work you have them make a list of their strengths, or have them complete a strengths assessment such as the VIA Strengths Inventory or Brief Strengths Test (at http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx ), or have them purchase and complete the StrengthsFinder 2.0 book. With this pre-work completed and reports/information at hand. Your group coaching session can focus on group discussions including:

What are your strengths?
What strengths are you using in your work/life/business?
How are you not? What's the impact of this?
What strengths are you overusing? How are these a blindspot?
Which one strength area would you like to focus on this month? What steps will you take?

The art of questioning is a core focus of the Mentor Coaching Groups I run for coaches, especially helping coaches become aware of the level at which your questions are focusing clients. Are you down in the weeds, or are your questions at the 30,000 ft or even 100, 000 foot level?

I want to leave you with a reminder of these important points to consider with powerful questions:

Often they are only 5-6 words in length. Notice what happens when your questions become too long.
Are open ended, often starting with a What? Notice the impact of questions that start with a Why or How?
Are purposeful in helping the client focus on what needs to be focused on - 30,000 feet and sometimes more tactical

Learning Edge:

As a coach make a list of your favorite powerful questions. Use these and notice the impact with clients. What do they do?

For those who have a copy of my book, Effective Group Coaching, check out pgs 148-150 - Twenty Plus Great Group Questions for Your Next Program. Don't have a copy yet? Order an autographed copy directly from me.

Warm regards

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC

Host of the Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCEs) - Next sessions start Nov 15 & Dec 1

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Upcoming Programs - Group Coaching Training, Retreats, Mentor Coaching Group

2011-11-01T13:21:00.005-04:00

At the start of each month I like to provide a quick update on upcoming programs. Here's our line up for the next month or so:

Group Coaching Essentials - This ICF approved CCE program is designed for coaches who want tips, tools and accountability around designing, marketing and implementing their own group coaching programs (virtual, in-person, public or corporate). The program consists of 5x75 minute gorup calls, weekly 1-1 lazer coaching calls with me, and an 80 page manual delivered in weekly modules. Group size is limited to 8 coaches to ensure maximum interaction. 6.75 CCEs.

Upcoming dates:
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern: November 15, 22, 29 December 13 and 20, 2011 (5 spaces open)
or the December accelerated program - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8:15 pm Eastern: December 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2011
Cost: $375 US or CDN (including HST)

Click here for more info and to register.

Group Coaching Intensive - 2 day in person training - Toronto
December 3-4, 2011 (Sat/Sunday) - Sat 8-4, Sunday 8:30 - 5
This is a 15 hour/2 day in person group coaching training program. It will provide coaches with tools in design, marketing and implementation as well as skill practice and feedback for group coaching. All coaches participating receive a manual (which includes dozens of tools, templates and ideas), a copy of my book Effective Group Coaching, and a Group Coaching Toolbox (a box of tools for you to use with your groups), as well as a light lunch. ICF CCE approval will be sought for the program (past programs have received 15 CCEs including 13 hrs of Core Coaching competencies).
Cost: $950 CDN plus HST. Register with a colleague and each receive a $175 discount. Space is limited to 8 coaches.
Click here to register and reserve your spot

2012 BizSuccess Virtual Business Planning Retreat
Friday December 2 and 9 (1-4 pm Eastern/10-1 pm Pacific each day) - By phone
Each year end I host a two day virtual business planning retreat. If you are a coach and want to carve out some time for planning, as well as taking action on some business goals, then this is for you! You'll leave the program with a business road map for 2012, as well as spend time creating your vision and goals for the next year. We'll explore partnerships and you'll also have time to flesh out one of your major business projects. I'll be available throughout the day for any 1-1 work you want to do (at no extra cost!). Space is limited to 12.
Cost: $195 US
Click here for more info and to reserve your spot.

Group Program Design Virtual Retreat
Friday December 16 - 10-4 pm Eastern/7am-1pm Pacific (ByPhone)
Eager to take action on your own group program (workshop, retreat, teleclass, group coaching program)? Looking for space to take action, as well as some tips, tools and ideas so you don't have to reinvent the wheel? During this one day program I'll be sharing some of my favorite tools in design, marketing and running group programs. You'll also have time to take action on your own ideas. Past retreat participants have left with marketing materials drafted, exercises selected, a draft design of their day, venues identified. The day is all about you getting into action. I'll also be available at points throughout the day to answer your 1-1 questions. Your retreat registration also includes a 40 page manual, and a group follow up call one month after the event.
Cost: $175 US
Click here to register and reserve your spot.

Mentor Coaching Group
As many of you might know this year I started offering mentor coaching groups for coaches who are looking to acquire their mentor coaching hours for ACC renewals, or ACC/PCC portfolio routes. This is a 10 hour mentor coaching package, which includes 7 hours of group mentor coaching calls, and 3 hours of individual mentor coaching sessions (held monthly). We look at all 11 core coaching competencies of the ICF, and coaches will have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on their skills during the program. Each week you'll receive worksheets to support you with your learning.

The next group is scheduled to start on Fridays from 12-1 pm Eastern/9-10 am Pacific on January 6th. Space is limited to 4-6 coaches. If you have a group of 4 of your own and want to get started earlier, please give me a call. Want to start earlier? Let me know as I often receive requests from coaches who want to join a group.
Current pricing: $1000/10 hours. Pricing will increase in January.
Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.

If you have any questions about these upcoming programs, please do not hesitate to contact me directly by email or phone.

I look forward to having you join me!

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

Team versus Group Coaching - What's the Difference?

2011-10-31T15:23:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I attended the Annual Fall ICF GTA Conference here in Toronto. It was wonderful to reconnect with many old colleagues and make new connections with others. A number of coaches asked me "What is the difference between team and group coaching?".

In fact, many of the tools and approaches coaches will use in working with teams and groups are very similar, if not identical.

What is different are a couple of key points to consider in terms of how you are working with teams vs. groups:

1. Teams will have some form of leadership which needs to be taken into consideration in designing the type of coaching which will happen. In all of the team coaching, and team systems coaching work I do, team leaders play a key role. In fact, the team coaching process may be started because of a new team leader coming on board. Typically a group coaching process is not impacted by leadership directly.

For example, if I am working with a group of new managers in an organization, they are likely to have different leaders that they report to. Part of our coaching may involve having them share their learning with their leaders, but the leaders are not directly involved in the caoching.

2. Teams have relationships which usually exist before, and after, the coaching relationship. Groups which form for coaching may know each other, but have a different type of relationship. As we often say, teams exist to produce results, so team relationships have a key focus in team coaching. This may not always be the case with group coaching. For example, if I am working with a group of new business owners, chances are that they may be meeting each other for the first time. Their focus will likely be on strengthing their own businesses first, and getting to know each other second. It is still important to be aware of team and group dynamics issues in both.

Stay tuned for a couple of additional posts I am going to write on team coaching resources, and other factors which distinguish teams and groups.

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the ICF approved CCE - Group Coaching Essentials program - next group starts by phone on Tuesday November 15th at 10:30 am Eastern (6.75 CCEs)

Making Virtual Group Coaching More Effective - 5 Tips

2011-10-26T09:47:00.000-04:00

More and more coaches these days are exploring how virtual group coaching programs, delivered by bridgelines or even video, can support their clients and match their own needs.

Facilitating, and coaching, in the virtual realm requires some different skills, as well as structures. What are some practical things you can make your group coaching by phone/web more effective? Here are five suggestions for making virtual group coaching more effective:

1. Consider what you really want to use the call time for. With virtual programs my preference is usually to use the time in dialogue, discussion and coaching. This often requires that group members undertake some prep before the call, as pre- or post work.
What do you want to use your call time for?

2. Spend time before the program building relationships with group members. Many of you know about my insistence on holding short pre-program calls prior to public programs I host. This is an opportunity for me to learn more about each group member, their needs, goals and also preferences.
What focus do you want to have pre-program on getting to know your group members?

3. Consider spending time building relationships between sessions with individual group members. Especially with public programs, when groups will disband after the program, members appreciate more touch points with me as coach. Many of my programs over the years have had a hybrid 1-1 and group mix to address this issue. People usually love the opportunity to meet with me 1-1, even if is for a shorter call, to explore their topics/issues more deeply.

4. What visual supports will the group benefit from? Technology is enabling us to incorporate visual media in many foms. What supports will the group members benefit from? A PDF workbook/worksheet? Slides which they can view as prompters? Streaming Video?
Consider what visual supports your groups can benefit from.

5. Consider and address what barriers may exist in group member's participation. Many barriers can exist to virtual program participation. From lack of familiarity with the technology, to low bandwidth issues, to lack of engagement.
Consider what barriers might exist for your group members.

As I 've also written in other posts, practice, practice, practice. Group Coaching is as much as art as a skill set. If we don't use it, we lose it!

What action will you take in the coming weeks to move your virtual programming forward?

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - our next CCE approved program starts this Friday October 28th at 10:30 am Eastern (6.75 ICF CCEs)
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Group Coaching Nuts and Bolts - Room Set up

2011-10-25T08:15:00.004-04:00

Today's post is about going back to the nuts and bolts (the practicalities) of group coaching - logistics!

Many coaches will opt to run their programs in person, whether they are running their own programs or working with organizations.

Here are some very practical considerations when thinking about room set up:

1. Look at lighting and temperature
2. Is there sufficient room for the group to meet and work in breakouts if necessary?
3. What configuration is going to work best - (U shape)
4. Does furniture move? - Tables/Chairs. If not, what changes are you going to need to make
5. What insurance, if any, is required by the facility? (Note some venues will ask for proof of Liability insurance in the event of slips, trips and falls. Will vary by jursidiction - check out what is required in your area).
6. What support materials (flipcharts/markers/tape/LCD projector) will be provided by the site - is it free or at a cost?
7. What materials do you need to bring with you (i.e. extra copies)
8. What will you do about meals/coffee breaks? Does the venue allow people to bring in their own food/drinks?
9. Who is the point person/contact person in the event of any challenges (i.e. room too hot, lights blow etc). How can they be reached?
10. What is the earliest you can enter the room? When do you have to be out of it?
11. What deposit is required to secure the room? What is their cancellation policy?

These are just a few questions you will want to consider when deciding on a venue and looking at room set up.

Are there other questions you would recommend, based on your experience? As always, please feel free to comment below.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials.com - Next class starts Friday October 28th from 10:30-11:45 am Eastern - Calls held Oct 28, Nov 4, 18, Dec 2 and 9, 2011 (6.75 CCEs with the ICF)

Upcoming Events - Group Coaching - Join me

2011-10-20T08:01:00.003-04:00

This is a quick post for a couple of announcements of things happening in the next week or so:

1. Join me Monday evening (Oct 24) from 7-8pm Eastern when I am a Guest Speaker on The Coaching Lab Online Radio on Blog Talk Radio. I'll be speaking with Coach Ryan Decoste about Group Coaching. Here's the link for more info:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coachryan#.Tn9CcbjyV_k.mailto

You can also call in during the last half of the call to ask questions.

2. The next Group Coaching Essentials program starts next Friday October 28th from 10:30-11:45 am Eastern. This is an ICF approved CCE program (6.75 hrs), providing coaches with tools, templates and resources for designing, marketing and implementing their own group coaching work.

Our upcoming programs which still have spaces available are:
Fridays 10:30-11:45 am Eastern: October 28, November 4, 18, December 2 and 9, 2011

Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern: November 15, 22, 29, December 13 and 2011

Tues/Thurs 7-8:15 pm Eastern: December 1, 6, 8, 13 and 15 2011 (Accelerated Program)

You can learn more and register at http://bit.ly/9Q7oSc.

3. If you are a coach in the Toronto area I will be at the GTA ICF Conference on Saturday October 29th. I will have a booth so drop by and say hi. You will be able to purchase copies of Effective Group Coaching, pick up a Group Coaching Toolkit Resource book. I will also have special Conference pricing for the December 3-4 Group Coaching Intensive (15 hrs) which will be held in Toronto - spaces still open.

4. I'll be leading a 2 hour workshop on Group Coaching in Philadelphia on November 11th at the 2011 PACA Conference. Looking forward to meeting many of you there!

Finally, a quick reminder to check out our Effective Group Coaching Facebook page. I have recently posted a copy of last week's audio on Group Coaching Exercises, and have also uploaded my first Effective Group Coaching Video Tip on Going Virtual. You can check it out on my new Effective Group Coach Channel on YouTube or through our Facebook page. I welcome your comments.

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials.com
Phone: 416.996.TEAM

Virtual Group Coaching Tips

2011-10-18T09:28:00.003-04:00

Many more coaches are exploring the world of teleclass, webinar and virtual group coaching delivery these days. As someone who has had a bulk of programming being offered online since 2004, I always encourage coaches to see how these modalities can support the learning and connection amongst your group members.

It's a very different landscape than it was in 2004, with mobile technology having made great changes in our lives, and people being more comfortable in using it.

I'm about to release one of my first videos and the focus is questions should ask when going virtual. I'll post a link to the blog as well as our Effective Group Coaching Facebook page when it is live (maybe even later today!).

If you are a coach looking to add virtual programming to your mix, you will want to check out the past posts I have written under the virtual learning tag, as well as 5 Questions to Ask Yourself when going virtual.

Enjoy and have a great week! I'll keep you posted about when the video is live. I hope that you will enjoy my upcoming video tips for Effective Group Coaching.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials - Our next CCE approved program starts on Friday October 28th from 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern/'New York by phone. Spaces are still open for coaches who are looking for tips, tools and ideas for designing, marketing and running their own group coaching work.

Coaching Business Builder - Track It!

2011-10-12T07:45:00.000-04:00

The Pareto Principle states that we get 80% of our results from 20% of our effort. What activities are giving you your biggest impact these days?

In building a business it is critical to notice where your results are coming from - in the short term, as well as the medium and long term. As new clients start and as you receive inquiries notice where people are hearing about you and your services. Over time track which ones are a constant source, as well as ones that perhaps aren't giving you the return you would like.

On the tracking side of things, in addition to inquiries and registrations, here are some other items you may wish to track over time:
- Inquiries (sources, volume, frequency, peaks at time of year)
- Registrations for individual, team and/or group coaching (volume, sources, frequency, peaks/lows)
- Cash Flow (particularly any cycles/downtimes/cash crunches)
- Results from specific marketing campaigns (newsletters/social media/tradeshows/articles/speaking etc)

What other activities do you want to keep an eye on for your business?

Going forward, what are the activities you really, really want to keep a focus on?

Have a great week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Potentials Realized
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCEs): Next Program Starts October 28th (Fridays from 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern)

Pre-Program Questions for Corporate Clients

2011-10-10T08:49:00.000-04:00

Last week I wrote a post on questions to ask pre-program for clients who are signing up for public programs, or programs that you may be offering. Many of you may be offering group coaching in an organizational context. Today I wanted to share with you some of the pre-program questions I ask to group coaching members when I work in organizations:

1. What do you wan to get out of your involvement with the program?
2. What are your needs and preferences around - delivery? Topic areas? Learning styles?
3. How do you see your participation linking to you - Performance Goals? Role (individually and in your team)? Developmental needs?
4. How will you feed back what you are learning/your insights to your Team? Supervisor? Organization? Life?

Many times it may not be feasible to have a phone conversation prior to the program start, so if we can't meet by phone I will send this by email to participants. As with public programs, designing the coaching agreement is an essential component of any group coaching process. The more you know your clients, their priorities/focus areas, and preferences, the better a program will be. Likewise, pre-program information can help with clarifying and confirming expectations.

For more questions, and additional elements you may want to consider in your work, please check out Chapter 7 of Effective Group Coaching.

Have a terrific week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials - next program starts Tuesday October 11th - 6.75 ICF CCEs
Group Coaching Intensive - Toronto - November 5-6 (Saturday/Sunday) - 15 hrs of Training (awaiting renewal of ICF CCEs - 13 hrs Core Competencies, 2 hrs Business Development)
Phone: (416)996-8326

Pre-Program Questions for Clients - Individual/Public Clients

2011-10-07T08:38:00.000-04:00

Many readers would know that I place a strong priority on having a pre-program conversation with group coaching participants. Designing the Coaching Agreement is a core coaching competency, and can start before group members even enter the room (or come together on the phone). In my book, Effective Group Coaching, I cover a number of questions I might ask to individuals who are signing up for a program that I am offering, as well as questions I would ask to corporate clients. Refer to Chapter 7 - Essential Elements for Your Group Coaching Program.

In today's post, I wanted to share the pre-program questions I may ask to individuals signing up for my public programs.

Some of these questions may include:

What do you want to get out of your involvement with this program?
What topics do you want to explore?
What should I know about you?
What should I know about your goals?
What should I know about your learning style?
How will this link back to your work? Your life? Your relationships?
What are the most important topics around _______ (insert topic)?

Typically I spent 15 minutes with each participant by phone (or skype) in discussion around these questions, as well as covering off logistics for the program. It helps in terms of getting to know each other, as well as finding out what are key priorities for participants. Finally, it is essential in ensuring that expectations match.

Consider for yourself:
What is important for my pre-program processes?
What questions do I want to ask my participants before the program starts/or in the first session?
What do I want participants to know before we start our work together?
What do I want to know about them?

Have a wonderful week!

Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - Next group starts Tuesday October 11th at 7 pm Eastern -Approved for 6.75 CCEs with the ICF. Spots are still open - reserve yours today
Group Coaching Intensive - Two day In Person Training (Toronto - November 5-6). Register with a colleague and each save $175 plus HST
Phone: 416.996.8326

Group Coaching Intensive - Toronto - November 5-6

2011-10-06T08:19:00.003-04:00

I am looking forward to meeting many more of you in person during the upcoming Group Coaching Intensive which will be held here in Toronto on Saturday November 5th (9-6) and Sunday November 6th (8:30 - 5). This is a two day hands-on group coaching training program. If you are looking for tools, resources as well as practice and feedback on your group coaching skills then read on!

Described as a "powerful incubator" and a "must have for anyone wanting to do group coaching" I will be working with a small group (maximum 6-8) of coaches over the weekend as we explore the topic of designing, running and marketing group coaching (phone/in person/corporate and public groups).

Topics covered over the two days include:

What Group Coaching Is, How it Can Be Delivered (in person/by phone);
The Continuum of Small Group Processes;
Fundamental Principles of working with groups
Competencies for Group Coaching including Group Coaching Core Skills and Best Practices;
Tricky Issues in Group Coaching - How to avoid them, and how to handle them when they happen
Tips for Designing and Running Your Own Group Coaching Programs
Virtual Facilitation Basics - What do do, what to avoid and how to facilitate engagement with phone/virtual programs
Marketing Your Group Coaching programs
Exercises for Group Coaching (which you will experience and be able to facilitate yourself!)
Group Coaching Skill Practice, Skill Presentation and Feedback

Your registration includes:

copy of my book Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
The Group Coaching Intensive Participants Manual (65 + pages of content and worksheets)
The Group Coaching Toolbox - A core selection of group coaching tools/resources in one box, which you will use time and time again!
An individual pre-program call with me
A group follow up call one month after the Intensive to check in on your progress and successes.
15 hours of training (an application for renewal of 15 hrs ICF CCEs is being submitted) in the area of group coaching with a light lunch both days
Invitations to community calls for alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program

Registration is $950 CDN plus HST. Register with a colleague and each save $175 plus HST off your registration rate (until October 21st).

For More info and to reserve your spot please visit our site. You can also download a brochure with more detail about the program off of our site.

Venue - Hotel near Toronto airport with shuttle service available for those coming in from out of town. A special room rate is available for participants.

I hope that you will join us for the Group Coaching Intensive! This will be a great opportunity to get a head start on your 2012 programming, brush up on your skills, or get those remaining CCEs you need. If you have questions, please contact me directly by phone or email.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Phone: 416.996.TEAM (8326)

Group Coaching: Being Proactive in Navigating Tricky Issues

2011-09-27T07:41:00.002-04:00

Over the past few years I have written quite a bit on Tricky Issues in Group Coaching, and cover off some of the tricky issues new group coaches may face in my book Effective Group Coaching (refer to chapter ). Being proactive in avoiding these pitfalls is paramount in mitigating or side stepping some of the tricky issues that can emerge.

Whether it is a tricky logistical issue such as bridgeline failure, or a participant issue as a dominant talker in your group, here are three things group coaches will want to keep in mind:

1. 1. Preparation and Presence – As coaches we always want to ensure that we are coaching in the moment and being fully present with what we are hearing and observing with our client group. At the same time, pre-program/session preparation can be invaluable in getting to know your clients, their needs, agendas and preferences. Preparation may include holding pre-program 1-1 calls with each participant or having a menu of exercises you can select from related to that weekly theme. In terms of preparation and presence you will want to take a look at chapter 5 (Design) and Chapter 9 (Preparation) of my book

2. 2. Systematize – I have written quite a bit about the importance of systems here at the blog. Having systems allow you to replicate your work more quickly and enable you to have the bandwidth to address tricky issues as they arise. Systems such a registration forms, payments, bridgelines can make the work easier to replicate a second, third or fourth time.

3. 3. Practice – Great group coaching is an art. Even the most seasoned coaches and faciiators will get rusty when they are not in front of a group. Practice, practice, practice, is an important part of mastery as a (group) coach. As you grow in your work, ask yourself “What are the edges to my learning?”, “What activities will help me stretch and grow?”. What opportunities do you have, or can you create, to get in front of groups?

In closing, keep an eye on the horizon for what may opportunities may emerge for you and immerse yourself in the rich experiences you create with groups.

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2011): http://bit.ly/dAlgf3

Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/effectivegroupcoaching

Consider joining us for an upcoming program such as the Mentor Coaching Group (for ACC Renewals or ACC/PCC portfolio routes) starting Sept 27th at 8:30 pm ET or the Group Coaching Essentials program starting October 11th at 7 pm Et.

Coaching Business Builder - Get Out There!

2011-09-21T15:18:00.000-04:00

Today's Coaching Business Builder tip is an encouragement for coaches to "get out there" and be visible with their target clients. What would support you in getting in front of your clients? Is it writing? Speaking? Leading a webinar or teleclass? Partnering with a larger organization to gain experience and establish a reputation?

Consider the following questions:
1. What would "getting out there" look like for you? What would make this exciting and productive?
2. Make a list of 5-10 activities you could take to "get out there".
3. Review the list. Which ones are the lowest hanging fruit - or the easiest. Perhaps you already have contacts there or materials drafted.
4. Schedule in time to action these activities, starting with the lowest hanging fruit.
5. Identify any resources you need to be successful with this - budget, personal support or other
6. Track the results in the short, medium and long term. Capture lessons learned from your experience.

What action are you going to take today to get started?

Have a great week.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials and Group Coaching Intensive Programs
Phone: (416) 996-8326

Upcoming Programs:
Mentor Coaching Group (for ACC Renewals as well as ACC and PCC Portfolio Route Candidates) - 3 spaces open. Starts Tuesday September 27th at 8:30 pm (Group Calls Tues 8:30 - 9:30 pm Eastern/New York) -: 3 spots open
Group Coaching Essentials - Starts Tuesday October 11th at 7pm Eastern

Mentor Coaching Group Starts Tues Sept 27 at 8:30 pm Eastern

2011-09-19T20:27:00.003-04:00

A quick announcement of a new program date just set for the next Mentor Coaching Group which will start on Tuesday September 27th at 8:30 pm Eastern. This group is geared to meet the mentor coaching requirements for ACC renewals, or ACC and PCCs applying for the portfolio routes for ICF Credentialing.

The program includes 7 x 1 hour group mentor coaching calls (calls held on Tuesdays from 8:30 - 9:30 pm Eastern on Sept 27 (half hour call only), October 4, 18, 25 November 1, 15, December 6 and 27th(half hour only), as well as 3 individual one hour mentor coaching calls with me.

This program is ideal of you have left your mentor coaching hours to the last minute. For those who are renewing their ACC this will enable you to complete your mentor coaching hours before the end of the year in the allotted minimum three month period.

Each call we will focus on two of the ICF Core Coaching Competencies and discuss what successful application of the skills looks and sounds like in coaching. Each week one coach will also have the opportunity to coach another group member during the call, and will receive real-time feedback on their skills.

Coaches who have taken the program have stressed how invaluable it is to receive peer feedback on their skills, as well as explore the core competencies deeper. You will also receive weekly module notes and have structured assignments to take your learning deeper.

Ready to go? Space is limited to 4-6 coaches. The cost of the program is $1000 US (for all 10 hours of group and individual mentor coaching) or $1000 CDN (plus HST). You can pay in one, two or three installments.

For more info or to register please visit http://bit.ly/9NbDhI. Questions - feel free to call me (note I am out most of this week working with different groups and will aim to get back to you as soon as I can!).

I look forward to having you join us. Please pass this link on to any other colleagues you know who might be interested.

Warm regards
Jennifer

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

Always have a back up

2011-09-15T16:20:00.005-04:00

Whether you run teleclasses, workshops or group coaching it's always a great idea to have a back up. This morning a new Group Coaching Essentials program launched. 20 minutes into our call, and mid-stream into our group introductions, the bridgeline failed. A facilitator/coach's worst nightmare! Luckily I've learned from experience to always have a back up and within five minutes we had easily migrated over to a new bridgeline. Regardless of the beads of sweat that did emerge on my brow for a minute as I located the backup number, it was a great learning experience for the coaches on the call who will be leading their own groups in a short while! I know that they will always have a back-up bridgeline, based on this experience.

Recovery is key when problems emerge. Remember that as the coach/facilitator/leader your tone, energy and composure will have a key impact on if the program goes off the rails, or it swings quickly back on course.

So whether you are running a teleclass/teleseminar/group coaching program by phone and need a back-up bridgeline, or a coach who works in person and may need a back-up hand-out, remote or set of markers, consider for yourself "What back up do you need to put in place in the event that things break down"?.

If you've got an experience to share that others can all learn from around this topic, please email me, and we can feature it on a future post.

Have a smooth rest of your week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - Want to learn what to look out for with your own group coaching program? Join me for the October session which starts October 11th from 7-8:15 pm Eastern. 6.75 ICF CCEs.

Group Coaching Intensive: Nov 5-6 in Toronto

2011-09-11T09:18:00.004-04:00

Looking for hands-on practice and feedback on your own group coaching skills? Wanting to add some tips, tools and ideas for your own group coaching work? Join me for the Group Coaching Intensive program in Toronto from November 5-6th. An early bird rate is in effect until the end of this week.

This two day in person group coaching training program, provides coaches with hands on practice and feedback on their group coaching skills, as well as road-tested tips, tools and ideas for designing, marketing and implementing their group coaching work. This is an intensive program and space is limited to 8 coaches.

The program has been described as:
MUST for a group coach building their business – Ellen Nyland, CPCC

Informative, Action Oriented and Professional – Beverley Rodrigues

The “REAL” thing on group coaching – Elaine Bradshaw

If you want to create, synergize, and learn about group coaching, then this is for you – Ryan DaCosta

Hands-on, practical, great practice sessions, and lots of opportunity to interact with peer coaches – Margaret Imai-Compton

Save $175 (plus tax) on your registration if you sign up by September 15th. Regular pricing is $950 (plus HST), early bird savings to the end of this week is $775 (plus HST).

An application will be submitted to the ICF to have this program re-accredited for 15 CCEs by the ICF (as was our April and June 2011 programs which included 13 hrs of core competencies and 2 hrs of Business Development).

I hope that you will join me!

If you have any questions or want to register, please c lick here for more info and a downloadable brochure, or contact me by phone at 416.996.8326.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Can't make it to Toronto this fall? Join me for the phone based Group Coaching Essentials program starting Sept 15th (Thursdays at 10:30 am Eastern) or October 11th (Tuesdays at 7 pm Eastern). The GEC program is an ICF approved CCE program (6.75 hrs).

8 Ideas for Preparing For Your First Phone/Web Based Session

2011-09-11T09:04:00.005-04:00

Over the past seven years, a majority of my work at certain points of the year is virtual, delivering teleclasses, webinars as well as group coaching programs by phone. I often get asked in the Group Coaching Essentials program "What do I need to have in place when I lead my first virtual program (by phone or web).

Here are 8 ideas I offer as a starting point for preparation for you own virtual program, from my book Effective Group Coaching:

Attend other calls as a participant to see different styles in action. Ask: What did the facilitator do that I liked? What did the facilitator do that had a positive impact on the group? What di the facilitator do that had a negative impact on the group's experience? What exercises did they use? How much time was allotted for discussion? How did the facilitator address different learning styles? The one learning point I want to take forward is .....
Test run the technology
Refer to FAQs on the website of the technology you are using for tips on how to mute, record etc.
Have PINs/Passwords readily at hand
Always have a back up bridgeline
Develop a contingency plan - expect the unexpected!
Send out a reminder before the program - people do forget!
Identify possible pitfalls

(Copyright 2010, Britton - pp, 137. Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

I often encourage facilitators and coaches new to virtual work to do a test run. What will make you feel confident as you run your first phone or web based session?

Have a great start to your week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - Our next ICF-approved CCE program starts this Thursday September 15th at 10:30 am Eastern - 2 spots open! Registrations also being accepted for October 11th.
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Coaching Business Builder - Work SMARTER not Harder

2011-09-07T16:15:00.003-04:00

For coaches in the northern hemisphere the last few weeks have really been about getting back, and starting new, routines. What are your goals and hopes for the remaining months of the year? In my newsletter this month I included questions to consider to make the most out of the rest of this year.

Today's business builder tip is about working SMARTER rather than harder.

What does working SMARTER rather than HARDER mean for you?

Here are some possible ideas which may enable you to leverage your time:
1. In developing new programs and new content, consider how they can be adapted for new products (i.e. a new audio, an e-book, blog content, a downloadable handout)

2. Consider what systems would support you in your business so that you don't have to reinvent the wheel each time. Check out past blog posts on systems I suggest which may include: payment, registration, questionnaires/intake materials, workbooks etc.

3. Take a look at what results you are getting from your activities. What is giving you the most impact? What hasn't borne fruit yet? What does need to be let go of?

4. Starting now, track key items for your work. This may be inquiries, referrals, testimonials, financials, marketing outcomes.

5. Answer the following: The most important thing I could do to work SMARTER is: _________________.

Have a wonderful week!

Warm regards
Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2011)
Follow us on Facebook
Follow my regular Twitter tips on coaching and business
Join us for an upcoming program: The Mentor Coaching Group (Starts Sept 16th), Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCEs, starts Sept 16), The Group Coaching Intensive (Toronto, November 5-6)

Marketing Your Group Coaching Services

2011-08-30T07:58:00.003-04:00

Have you developed a marketing strategy or plan for the rest of 2011, and into 2012? Last week during the Group Coaching Essentials program, I explored the ever-rich topic area of Marketing Your Group Coaching Services.

In today’s business environment, marketing approaches are plentiful and within reach to most solopreneurs or business owners, including coaches. From websites, to blogging, to social media, to promotional products, to video, to trade shows, to article marketing, producing an e-book, the number of ways you may consider marketing your services is endless.

As you go about thinking where you want to invest your time, focus and resources, consider the following as you develop your marketing strategy:

What do you like to do? Where do your strengths lie?
What are the topics you are passionate about?
What do your clients want? Where will they look for resources? What approaches will be most appealing to them? Where will you find them?

Where these three areas intersect I call the Marketing Sweetspot. It can be very useful to step back and think about these three questions before investing significant time and resources in approaches that may not necessarily align with your client’s preferences. Read more about what I have to say about the Marketing Sweetspot in my book, Effective Group Coaching.

As you move forward with your work and marketing this fall (or spring), what do you want your 3 focus areas to be?

Have a terrific week!

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, CHRP

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Host of the ICF Approved CCE Program: Group Coaching Essentials – starts September 15^th at 10:30 am Eastern (4 spots left)

Two Day In Person Group Coaching Intensive, Toronto Early Bird rate on to September 15^th (November 5-6^th)

Conflict and Groups

2011-08-18T13:09:00.002-04:00

The ability and confidence to deal with conflict in a group context is often a big question on the minds of coaches and facilitators who are starting to work with groups. Often practioners new to this work are uncomfortable or nervous when it comes to dealing with conflict.

As I wrote in my book, Effective Group Coaching, "conflict can emerge when

There is a lack of clarity of roles within the group;

There is lack of clarity, or uncertainty, about where the program is going;

There is insecurity {on the part of participants}

There is fear {around an issue}

Expectations are not being met

Conflict can be as subtle as the withdrawal of a participant (a participant shuts down) or as extreme as verbal conflict emerging between two participants” (Britton, Wiley, 2010)

Consider for yourself:

What conflict if any has shown up in this group?
Is there potential for conflict?
What needs to be made more explicit/more clear?
What does this group need as it relates to the conflict that is showing up (or is possible)?
What will make you more confident in your ability to work with conflict when it shows up in your groups?

Remember that conflict is not always bad. In fact, conflict is often the seeds for creativity and change.

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton

Group Coaching Essentials.com

Early Bird rate on the Toronto Group Coaching Intensive (November 5-6) until September 15th. The next Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 ICF CCEs) starts Thursday September 16th at 10:30 am ET.

Virtual Facilitation Tips for Teleclasses and Group Coaching

2011-08-16T12:48:00.003-04:00

Whether you are running a teleclass, teleseminar or group coaching program by phone, facilitation techniques may be different than those needed in the in person environment. For the past decade a bulk of my work has been bringing together groups, and teams, in the phone based environment.

Here are four tips to keep in mind when facilitating your next program in the phone based arena:

Engage your audience every 5-7 minutes. Whether it is posing a question for people to consider, having group members write something down, breaking groups into virtual breakout rooms, or asking for audience input, creating a switch every 5-7 minutes is important in the phone based domain. While best practice research points to 5-7 minutes as being optimum for groups, take the pulse at the end of each and every call to see what the pace of the call has been like for them and adjust accordingly.

Less is more – I often talk about how important less is more in creating more powerful teleclasses, workshops and group coaching programs. We often have the bias to throw way too much content into our programs. As you start looking at design of your next phone session be clear with yourself about what is the need to have versus the nice to have in terms of content, exercises and other tools. Consider what sections can be elongated if you are moving too quickly, and which can be shortened (or dropped) if you are moving too slowly.

Pre and Post Work – I usually opt for more meaty pre and post work when delivering programs by phone, leaving time for our calls to focus on sharing and processing of what people have read or discovered. Some ideas for pre- and post-work you may want to consider could include journaling, reading lists/assignments, assessments, checklists, coaching exercises.

Ask Yourself: What pre work would benefit your next group session? What follow up post-work/homework or field work would help to lock in the learning/insights of the call?

Create opportunities for reflection – Don’t be afraid to have pauses or silence throughout a phone based program for people to reflect and write out their thoughts or insights. If you choose to do this, depending on the type of program and size of your group, you may opt to provide music in the background, or you may want to know how to mute to avoid the background sounds such as fingers taping on keyboard, paper shuffling etc.

What tips would you provide to facilitators/coaches/trainers new to leading group programs in the phone based environment?

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Host of the Group Coaching Essentials program and the Group Coaching Intensive

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Coaching Business Builder - Systematize

2011-08-03T11:12:00.000-04:00

Why re-invent the wheel when you don't have to? In building your business, creating systems to support you in your work, making more repetitive items easier through a process, can cut down on a huge amount of time (and headaches!).

Sometimes we aren't quite aware of what we might need in terms of systems until they become urgent because business has come through the door. Here's a quick list of some of the business systems you will want to consider creating:

Client intake packages - whether you work with individual clients, teams or groups, streamlining your intake process, questionnaires or pre-program discussions, can save a lot of time. Take a look at what you have - does it really help you understand how you can support your clients in the best possible way? Is there too much? Enough?

Payment Systems - Of course, a dedicated bank account for your business, and possibly merchant abilities to process credit cards. PayPal or other online merchant systems (options and pricing will vary according to where you live). Related to payment systems are of course invoicing and other financial trackers such as budgets, cash flow etc.

Registration Trackers or Group Lists - essential to keep all the details straight - who is who, contact details (phone and email). Space for notes on attendance or individual meetings. Dial in details and back up bridgeline (if virtual program).

Coaching Log - For those working towards a credential (or maintaining a credential) keeping a coaching log up to date is critical. Whether paper-based or computerized (using a program such as Coaches Console), keeping details straight, and secure, are important.

Take a look at other posts I have written about systems to gain other ideas about what you might want to include.

What systems will move your business forward for the rest of this year?

Have a productive week!
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials and Group Coaching Intensive programs

Group Dynamics and Group Coaching: This Thursday at 3 pm ET

2011-08-01T17:14:00.004-04:00

This week I'm the guest speaker for a couple of Special Interest Groups on the topic of Group Coaching. I know that many of you are interested in the topic of Group Coaching and Group Dynamics. On Thursday Augsut 4th from 3 - 4 pm Eastern I will be this month's Guest Speaker for the Group Coaching SIG hosted by Suzee Eibling. It's a great group which meets every month (1st Thursday of each month at 3 pm Eastern). It's open to all coaches so hope that you will join us this Thursday. There is no charge for the call, other than your own long distance charges.

Here's the info below, along with a subscription link to the monthly SIG calls (highly recommended!).

Thursday Aug 4th, 2011 at 3pm Eastern
Bridge Number: 402-237-2153 pin1234#
Back up Bridge Number: 407-318-2773
Host: Suzee Ebeling PCC, PMC suzee@intuitioncoach.com

Subscribe to the Group Coaching SIG: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GroupCoachingSIG/

Group Dynamics and Group Coaching: What? So What? Now What?

The call will explore the topic of group dynamics in group coaching with Effective Group Coaching author Jennifer Britton:

• Tricky Issues with group dynamics

• Tuckman’s model of Group Dynamics;

• Techniques and exercises for different stages

• Considerations/issues for virtual, in-person, public and corporate programs

About Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010), Jennifer weaves together her rich experience as a former manager with the UN, coach, trainer and performance improvement specialist. Jennifer brings a 20+ year history of high impact group and team facilitation in over 18 countries. She leads the Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCEs) and the Group Coaching Intensive (15), supporting coaches with their own group coaching work. Check out Group Coaching Ins and Outs blog for more tips & ideas. You can also connect at twitter.com/jennbritton & www.facebook.com/effectivegroupcoaching.

Looking forward to having you join us!

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Upcoming programs include the Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar (6.75 CCEs starting Aug 11th) and the Mentor Coaching Group (August 12th). Early Bird rate on now for the November 5-6 Group Coaching Intensive in Toronto.

Selecting A Group Exercise - Questions To Consider

2011-07-26T07:45:00.004-04:00

I often get asked "What coaching tool or exercise should I use in my group program?". Questions, discussion and exercises form the backbone of any group coaching program, as well as workshops and retreats.

In my book, Effective Group Coaching, I outline the following 11 questions to consider when selecting your next exercise:

1.What is the theme you are currently working around (i.e. balance, leadership, time management?)

2. What stage of development is the group in? (Refer to Group Process In Chapter 2 of the book).

3. What does the group need at this stage? (Closure, Celebration, Energizing, Check Point?)

4. What is the message/learning you want to create for the exercise?
5. What's the tempo that will work for the group?
6. How will this exercise support different learning styles?
7. How will the exercise compliment other exercises - in terms of theme/learning styles?
8. What risks are associated with this exercise?
9. When would this exercise be most suited in terms of placement - i.e. icebreaker, closure exercises etc?
10. What else does this exercise need as a compliment?
11. What questions should follow or be part of this exercise to allow the group to learn the most from it?

As you move forward with the design of your next program, consider how these questions can support you and your group.

Have a great week,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Group Coaching Essentials - the next ICF CCE approved program (6.75 hrs) begins on August 11th (Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET)

Coaching Business Builder - 1% Rule

2011-07-21T07:35:00.000-04:00

Coaching Business Builder Tip – The 1% Rule

It’s really easy to fall into the trap of overwhelm. For the last decade I’ve worked with businesses globally in the start up and growth phases. Especailly as a solopreneur working by yourself it may become easy to think that you have to do everything today. What happens when we lose the focus? Very diffuse energy.

I like to talk about the 1% rule. Think about one of the key areas you would like to take some focused action on in your business, which you feel is important at the moment.

Consider what you would like to have accomplished in this area by August 31^st. Write it down.

Now think about what the 1% step would be to move you towards this goal? What is that one step you could take today, right now, to move you forward towards the goal. Write it down and schedule it in your calendar for a specific timeslot today.

Here’s an example – I want to have a new blog up and running by August 31^st.

Today’s 1% may be to spend 10-15 minutes brainstorming/MindMapping on all of your ideas. Tomorrow’s 1% may be register a blog site. The following day’s 1% may be to start drafting an article.

The 1% rule can be really helpful in chunking things down to more manageable tasks, rather than spinning our wheels trying to get our heads around huge activities. Over time the daily 1% adds up.

Ask yourself:

Where would the 1% rule benefit your business right now?

What 1% project would you want to take on?

What does your 1% look like today?

Have a great week,

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Host of the Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCEs) and the Group Coaching Intensive (15 hours)

One Day of Action- Join Me Tuesday July 26th

2011-07-19T13:15:00.003-04:00

Join me next Tuesday for the Group Program Virtual Retreat.

Have you got an idea for a group program and could benefit from a day to take action on your ideas? Join me next Tuesday July 26^th from 10-4 pm (Eastern) by phone for the 6 our Group Program Virtual Retreat Intensive. The day is focused on TAKING ACTION on your group program ideas. Put on your running shoes, grab your computer or pen and get ready to create!

Each hour we will be focusing on a different component which makes group programs successful (design, marketing, exercises). We will spend 15 minutes on the phone as a small group, with the remaining 45 minutes of each hour spent working offline in our own offices following structured activities to help you move from vision to skeleton over the course of the day.

The program is ideal for coaches, trainers or others working on a new group program – workshop, retreat, teleclass, webinar or group coaching program.

As part of your registration you’ll receive a manual to follow throughout the day, which includes more than a dozen tools and templates. I’ll also be available at selected periods throughout the day for 1-1 questions.

Click here for more information and to register! Cost: $175 US.

Participants are responsible for their own long-distance charges to connect to the bridgeline.

Here’s what past participants have said about the process:

"Jennifer's program gave me the vision and confidence to develop virtual programs for my clients..Thank you Jennifer, for breaking down the process into doable steps" - Marsha Barnosky

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

Hope to have you join me next week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the Effective Group Coaching teleseminar program (6.75 CCEs) and the Group Coaching Intensive (15 hours of in person training)
Phone: 416.996.8326
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Group Facilitation Tip - Switch It Up

2011-07-19T12:33:00.001-04:00

If you’ve been coaching or facilitating for a while you may notice that you have a tendency to revert to the same old, same old. Whether it’s using the same old exercises, or using the same old tricks, today’s post is an encouragement to shake it up a little, and try something different.

Consider what your ruts are (with respect to design, marketing or implementation).

What biases do you hold as a coach or facilitator?
What’s really comfortable for you? What would stretch you?
Where do you recycle the “same old, same old”

Here are 5 quick ideas to perhaps spark you to switch things up, next time:

- Try a different introductory or closure exercise – refer to sites like Wilderdom.com or BusinessBalls.com for some new ideas

- Take note of what type of learners you tend to focus your delivery approach to. Is this representative of the groups you work with? What can you do to bring in a more kinesthetic approach to your exercises? A more auditory or visual approach?

- Research a new tool you could bring in to stimulate discussion, exploration or action for your group members. Sites like CoachingToys.com or TrainersWarehouse.com may spark some new ideas for you.

- Look around at others for some new innovative marketing ideas – maybe it’s time to add some video, start that blog, or start tweeting

- Take a look at what type of feedback you are getting. What would participants/clients like more of from you?

What’s going to be the one area you want to switch up as you look to your fall programming?

Have a great week!

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Common Challenges for New Group Coaches

2011-07-12T12:44:00.003-04:00

Coaches new to group coaching often ask, where might I face some challenges? The following are some key areas to keep an eye on as you prepare to run your first (or second, or twentieth program). While these may be more common to new group coaches, I would assert that they are issues we should all keep an eye on regardless of experience level:

1. Coaching Skills and Approaches - Remember that group coaching is grounded in core coaching competencies. Group Coaching is not about being an expert and leading a workshop. What is the ideal mix of coaching and information for your group? You may want to reference what I've written about the Group Program Continuum in my book Effective Group Coaching which goes more in-depth with the differences and similarities between group coaching, workshops and retreats).

2. Remembering the power of accountability - Coaching is different as a profession than training and facilitation, with a heavier emphasis on action and accountability (reference the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Survey). What types of field work are you creating for your group members? What coaching requests or challenges are you making? What inquiries are you leaving the group, or members of the group with.

3. Trying to Fit in Too Much - For years I've talked about the Group Coaching Best Practice of "Less is More". Participants/clients benefit from dialogue, sharing and reflection during a group coaching process. What topics or content can be moved into another session, or moved into a takeaway or homework assignment.

4. Not placing enough emphasis on building trust and respect within the group - Building Trust and Intimacy is one of the core coaching competencies of the ICF. Spend sufficient time in the first group coaching session for members to get to know each other. You may also want to consider a pre-program call to start establishing a relationship with group members individually.

5. Forgetting to Evaluate - Coaching as a profession places emphasis on "Holding a client's agenda" or focusing on the issues that are important to the group. Evaluation, at the end of each session, and throughout a program is critical to get feedback on the themes you are working around, the approach, the pace and rhythm of the work. Wherever possible build in opportunities for the group to increasingly co-create the program with you.

6. Recognizing that a Group Process is Unfolding - For groups that are more intensive in terms of program length or delivery, it is possible that Tuckman's Stages of Group Development will be emerging. Take a look at previous blog posts to see what I've said about group process. I'll also be addressing the issue of group dynamics in Group Coaching next month at the Group Coaching SIG (August 4th).

This list is by no means exhaustive. What other challenges do you do see as common for coaches new to group coaching? Feel free to comment below.

Have a great week, and looking forward to meeting several of you in person on Thursday and Friday as I run the Group Coaching Intensive in Huntsville. Still one more spot open!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: (416)996-TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Next Group Coaching Essentials program begins tomorrow, Wednesday July 13th (Wed 10:30-11:45am Eastern: July 13, 20, 27, August 3 and 10). 6.75 ICF CCEs. A couple spots still open!

2011 Best Coaching Blogs - Made it to Round 2

2011-07-12T12:35:00.005-04:00

The Group Coaching Ins and Outs blog has made it to round 2 of the 2011 Best Coaching Blogs in the School of Coaching Mastery Contest. If you enjoy the blog, I'd love you to take a moment and click on over, and vote, and comment about the blog at the contest. You can access the contest here. You should be able to find us on page 2 under "Group Coaching Ins and Outs blog". You can vote, and comment.

Thanks in advance! Let's see if we can make it to round 3, which will be announced next week.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

Four Summer Programs for Coaches

2011-07-08T13:15:00.004-04:00

Summer is a popular time to focus on your own learning and growth, as well as get ready for your own launches of new programming for the fall.

Here are four upcoming programs I am offering which may be of interest to you:

Group Coaching Essentials (accredited for 6.75 CCEs with the ICF) Upcoming Programs start:
July 2011:
Wednesdays 10:30 -11:45 am Eastern/New York/Toronto:
July 13, 20, 27, August 3, and 10, 2011
August 2011:
Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern
August 4, 11, 18, 25 and September 1, 2011

Each month I work with a small group of coaches (maximum 6-8) in the Group Coaching Essentials program. The program covers tools, exercises and resources to support coaches with the design, marketing and implementation of their own group coaching programs. We look at both in person and virtual (web and phone) based programs, as well as tips for groups from the general public and organizations. The program includes 5 x 75 minute calls, access to lazer/laser(15 minute) 1-1 calls with me (at no additional cost), and an 80 page manual (delivered in weekly modules). Benefit from the accountability and structure of the program to get your own group coaching program going! Note that pricing will increase to $375 US and CDN for programs starting in September.

Nan O'Connor, MCC, http://www.nanoconnor.com

Click here for more information and to reserve your spot today!

Group Coaching Intensive – Huntsville, Ontario – July 14-15, 2011

Accredited for 15 ICF CCES – Two spots open!

The Group Coaching Intensive is a two day in-person group coaching training program focuses on providing coaches with both knowledge and content as well as practice, and feedback, on their group coaching skills. The course covers core group coaching skills, along with practical tips and tools for designing, running and marketing your own programs. We also cover pricing, contracting and exercises for public and corporate programs. Both new and experienced coaches can benefit from this program, as can alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program.

Participants will leave the program with tools, resources, skills and practice in group coaching, covering key topics including core skills, tricky issues, best practices, structure, exercises/tools, pricing, and group process for group coaching.

The program includes:

15 hours of instruction and contact in an in-person environment (15 ICF CCES - 13 hrs Core Competencies, 2 hrs Business Development)
The Group Coaching Intensive Manual
A Group Coaching Toolbox (yes! your own physical toolbox of program tools and resources)
A copy of the Effective Group Coaching book
A follow up call with Jenn and the group in August/September
light lunch served both days

Venue: Holiday Inn Huntsville (Muskoka).
Hours: Thursday July 14 (9-6), Friday July 15 (8:30 – 4:30)
Pricing $950 CDN plus HST (total $1073.50). If you register with a colleague save $150 each.
Click here to learn more, or call me directly at (416)996-8326 to grab the remaining spots. We have room for 1-2 more coaches.

Group Program Virtual Retreat - Tuesday July 26 - 10 - 4 pm Eastern (By Phone_:
A day to focus and take action on your group program ideas! Geared for professionals who want to focus and take action on the planning, design and marketing of an upcoming group program (workshop/retreat/teleseminar/group coaching). The retreat includes 6 hours of structured individual exercises, a manual and access to me throughout the course of the program. We willl be meeting for 15 minutes of each hour as a group, with each hour focusing on a different component of your group program success!

Exercises and support focus on program design, marketing and exercises so that you've got a skeleton by the end of our time together. Your registration includes the 6 hours of structured individual and group exercises, th Virtual Retreat manual which includes useful templates to take away, and access for individual conversation with me throughout the day. Participants are responsible for their own long distance charges to connect to the bridgeline.
Cost: $175 US or CDN (plus HST). Click here for more info or register for the July Virtual Retreat

Mentor Coaching Group (including ACC Renewals)

August 12 - November 18, 2011 (Fridays 12 - 1 pm Eastern)

The program focuses on supporting coaches in enhancing their core coaching competencies. This mentor coaching group program meets the requirements of the ICF for ACC renewals for mentor coaching, as well as those pursing their ACC and PCC portfolio routes.

Coaches participate in 7x 1 hour group calls over the 3 month period, and undertake 3 x 1 hour individual mentor coaching calls with me. Each call looks at a different ICF core coaching competency. Coaches will have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on their coaching skills.

Each lesson is accompanied by a coaching tool or template I use in my business, along with a business tip to support your own business development.

The program meets the 10 hour requirement of mentor coaching for ICF re-certification, and portfolio routes. Space is limited to 4-6 coaches per group.

Group Calls will be held on: August 12, 19, 26, September 9, October 21, 28 and November 18, 2011. Individual coaching sessions will be held monthly in Aug, September & October.

Note: Another group will start in mid-September and run through mid-December as well.

Cost: $1000 US which can be paid in one, two or three installments

Click here for more information and to reserve your spot in the group starting in mid-August.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at (416)996-8326 or by email at info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com. I look forward to connecting with you.

Warm regards
Jennifer

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

Group Coaching Skills for the Virtual Environment

2011-07-08T13:08:00.003-04:00

Additional Skills for the Virtual Environment

Many coaches enjoy the flexibility of virtual programming, whether delivering their programs by teleconference, videoconference, or leveraging webinars for more content related delivery. For the last 6 out of 7 years of my business, a majority of my work has been virtual, whether working one-on-one, with groups or teams.

In addition to core coaching skills (refer to the ICF Core Coaching Competencies for example), coaches who are looking to foray into the virtual realm will want to consider the following enhanced skills:

Listening – to what is being said, and NOT being said

Building Trust at the start of the program (and even before the program starts)

Creating Connection amongst group members

Ensuring engagement and involvement of participants (Without the standard visual cues we rely on, it may be necessary to engage your group members with questions, activities, discussion much more frequently)

Dealing with difficult issues

Evaluation – taking the pulse of the group and getting feedback on takeaways and changes at the end of each call

Call Management Issues – ensuring the connection is clear, muting as needed, roll call, handling questions, handling recordings etc.

Ask yourself:

What is your current level of skill in these areas?

What is your current level of confidence in these areas?

What are your strengths that you can lean into?

What is the one real growth area for you? What specific action steps could you take to enhance your skill and/or confidence in this area?

Who can you tap into/rely on to support you in these areas?

A wonderful resource I recommend for coaches to look into for more information about virtual learning is Cindy Huggett’s Virtual Training Basics (ASTD Press, 2010).

Have a wonderful weekend,

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC, CPT

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

GroupCoachingEssentials.com

The Power of a Metaphor

2011-07-07T14:41:00.004-04:00

Metaphors show up frequently in any coaching process, whether you are working with individuals, teams and groups. I often get asked by coaches as to how to work with metaphors in a team or group coaching context.

Metaphors, such as, "powerful as a firecracker", "fast like a rapid", "slow like a lazy bend on a river", "captain of the ship" can be a rich area for groups and teams to discover/explore in the coaching realm.

As a coach take note of the metaphors which show up within your group context. They may emerge as themes through the course of conversation, or as a result of an actual coaching exercise (i.e. vision for a team or group).

In your next group coaching process, consider the following:

1. What metaphors are showing up in speech of the group?
2. What are you noticing about the themes that are emerging?
3. How might a metaphor bond the group together (i.e. if you are hearing about ships and roles on it, how does this support the group)?
4. Is there a metaphor that would illustrate what you are noticing about the group/team process?
5. Is there a metaphor for the group to take forward to their work/life this week?

What are some of the common metaphors you have seen?

As always, please feel free to comment below!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Upcoming events include the ICF Accredited CCE programs: Group Coaching Intensive - July 14 -15 in Huntsville, Canada (15 CCEs - 1 spot left) and the Group Coaching Essentials program (by phone - starting July 13th (Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: July 13, 20, 27, August 3 and 10, 2011:6.75 CCEs, 3 spots open)

Group Coaching Intensive Accredited for 15 CCEs

2011-06-30T08:59:00.003-04:00

A quick note to let you know that the Group Coaching Intensive has been accredited for 15 CCEs (13 hours of Core Competencies and 2 hrs of Business Development). Join us in Huntsville, Muskoka for this two day in-person program July 14-15, 2011. There are still a few spaces open.

Who the program is for:
This program will be of interest to:
- coaches wanting to add group coaching to their service offerings
- experienced coaches wanting to refine their group coaching skills
- coaches looking for tips and road-tested group coaching techniques
- ACCs, PCCs, and MCCs looking for ICF recertification hours (course accredited for 15 CCEs

What we'll cover:
The program covers topics including:
- Best Practices of Group Coaching
- Core skills and competencies, along with practice and feedback opportunities
- Tricky issues, and how to avoid them
- Filling seats - marketing for group coaching
- Group Dynamics
- Structuring Group Coaching
- Virtual Programming Considerations
- Corporate Programming Considerations
and many more topics.

Cost: $950 CDN (plus HST) which includes the program, a copy of the Effective Group Coaching book, a light lunch both days, a Group Coaching Toolkit to take home. Coaches responsible for their own accomodation.

Dates: Thursday July 14 (9-6) and Friday July 15 (8:30 - 5) at the Holiday Inn Huntsville (Pre-registration required)

Registration/More Info: Online or contact me (Jennifer) directly at (416)996-8326

Program size is limited to ensure individualized attention.
Can't make it to Muskoka? Bring us to you - we will deliver the program to groups of 8-10 coaches at your location/venue.

I look forward to having you join us.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar (6.75 CCEs). Next course starts July 13th by phone.
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Two weeks & Two Spots Left for the Group Coaching Intensive (Muskoka)

2011-06-28T16:50:00.007-04:00

It's just a little more than two weeks until the Group Coaching Intensive in beautiful Huntsville, Muskoka on Thursday July 14 and Friday July 15th. Three spaces are still open for this 2 day group coaching training program. If you are a coach who is looking to run their own group coaching programs, this will be of interest to you.

Over the two days there will be ample opportunity for you to practice and receive feedback on group coaching skills as we explore topics including:
- Core skills and best practices of group coaching
- Structuring a group coaching program - Essential Components
- Group Development and Group Process Issues
- Tool and Exercises for Group Coaching
- Avoiding Tricky Issues in Group Coaching
- Filling Your Seats - Marketing Strategies

A special room rate is available at the venue in Huntsville for participating coaches until this Thursday. A variety of accommodation is also available within driving, and walking, distance.

Your Registration includes:
- 15 hrs of in-person training (an application has been submitted to the ICF for 15 CCEs)
- a copy of my book, Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
- a toolbox of physical resources to take back for your work in the Group Coaching Toolkit
- a group follow up call one month after the event
- a light lunch both days

Cost: $950 CDN plus HST (total $1073.50 CDN) - Installment payments are available. $150 Discount each when you register with a colleague.

You can register here. More information, a downloadable program outline and registration links can be found at our site.

I hope that you will join me in beautiful Muskoka in a few weeks! It's been voted the #1 Summer Vacation Getaway destination for 2011 by National Geographic. What great reason for a working holiday.

Take a look at what Muskoka has to offer through these YouTube videos from Discover Muskoka.

If you have any questions about the Group Coaching Intensive, would like to register offline, register with a colleague, or pay in installments, please feel free to contact me directly by email (info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com) or at (416) 996-8326.

Please spread the word to any other coaches you may know. I look forward to meeting you in Huntsville!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching
GroupCoachingEssentials.com

Visual Map by Julie Gieseke of MaptheMind.org of one of the Group Coaching Essentials sessions (an ICF accredited CCE program)

The imporatance of trust within the group coaching process

2011-06-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

Establishing Trust and Intimacy with your clients is one of the ICF Core Coaching Competencies (Competency 3 under Co-Creating the Relationship). This coaching competency is defined by the ICF as:
"Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client - Ability to create a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust.

Shows genuine concern for the client's welfare and future,
Continuously demonstrates personal integrity, honesty and sincerity,
Establishes clear agreements and keeps promises,
Demonstrates respect for client's perceptions, learning style, personal being,
Provides ongoing support for and champions new behaviors and actions, including those involving risk taking and fear of failure,
Asks permission to coach client in sensitive, new areas."

International Coach Federation - Core Coaching Competencies

As a group coach, establishing trust is a critical component of the group coaching process. Just as we hold "intake" sessions or foundation sessions with individual clients, group coaches need to spend time co-creating the relationhip and establishing trust within their own groups, pre-program and throughout the intial group sessions.

Practical activities group coaches can use to Establish Trust and Intimacy are:
1. Hold pre-program 1-1 calls with individual participants prior to the program start. A short 15 minute call can help to start developing a bond with each participant/client and get to know them. Find out what brought them to the program, what they want to learn, what's unique about their own learning style preferences. This call can also provide an opportunity to answer any questions, and also check out that the program is going to be a good fit for them. This pre-program contact can be an important step in building rapport with each group member.

2. Leave time at the start of programs, particularly phone based programs for participants to introduce themselves and get to know each other. Knowing who is who is an important part of the group coaching process.

3. Discuss group expectations/develop ways of working - What are the groundrules for group participation? Behavior? What can people expect? Spend time discussing this as a group, including key ground rules such as confidentiality.

4. If pre-program 1-1s are not possible before your first meting, leave time and space to discuss expectations, hear from each participant about what they want out of the process and what's brought them there.

5. Walk your talk - follow through as you have promised. Circle back to check in on commitments. Check in with the group regularly throughout a session to see what's working and what changes may be needed.

Check out the ICF Core Competencies for a full listing of all 11 core coaching competencies.

In closing, consider the following for yourself:
Which competencies are you strongest at?
Which ones do you want to further develop?
What can you do in your own group coaching program to strengthen the competency of Establishing Trust and Intimacy?

Warmly
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Join me starting August 12th for a Mentor Coaching Group, an opportunity to expand on your core coaching competencies. The program also meets the mentor coaching requirements for ICF Credentialing. Space is limited to 4-6 coaches. Group calls meet Fridays 12 - 1 pm Eastern.

Coaching Business Builder - Focus on Ease and Impact

2011-06-21T10:56:00.004-04:00

For years I have held the perspective that my best work is work that is fun, easy and impactful. In running a business, if I don't make it fun and easy, who will? Perhaps the concept of fun and easy is also something that is a key learning from the 12 years I spent living and working out of the Caribbean. As we move into the summer months, I'll be making the move part time to work out of my northern office in Muskoka.

It's been very interesting to see how the concept of Easy is starting to be echoed across the coaching world, and others are starting to talk about easy business.

As you approach your own business development activities in the next few weeks, consider the following:

What activities do you find easy in your business?
How are these having an impact?
What do you notice when you approach activities through the lens of easy, rather than "challenging" or "a struggle"?
What do you need to be letting go of, because it's not easy? Because it's not having impact?
What do you need to be doing more of?
What easy and impactful activities do you want to incorporate into your schedule this week?

This week, see what happens when you lead from ease and impact, rather than hard.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley 2010)
Join me this summer for high impact programs including the 2 day Group Coaching Intensive (Huntsville Muskoka - July 14-15) and the ICF Accredited CCE Group Coaching Essentials program (by phone - starts July 13th and Aug 4th)

Group Coaching Niches

2011-06-20T14:03:00.004-04:00

To niche or not to niche, that is the question. Whether you have been coaching for a short time, or a long time, the question of "who do I serve" is a big one. The same holds true in the group coaching context. It is much easier to market and tailor a group coaching program when there are common themes tying a group together.

"A niche market is a focused, targetable portion of a market.
By definition, then, a business that focuses on a niche market is addressing a need for a product or service that is not being addressed by mainstream providers. You can think of a niche market as a narrowly defined group of potential customers." - Susan Ward

Here's a quick list of niche areas I've seen coaches run group coaching programs in:
- New business owners
- Women business owners
- Career transition
- New parents (moms/dads)
- New managers
- New retirees
- Musicians
- Teachers/Educators
- Students
- Professors
- Professionals in specific industries (i.e. financial services, safety, transportation, education etc)
- Virtual Assistants
- World Changers
- Social Entrepreneurs

This list is by no means exhaustive. You may also notice how each one of these niches can be broken down into subsets. For example, career transition - may include a group of people who are moving from career to self-employment, or entry level to supervisory roles, those staying in the same field, those moving to a different industry.

Being as specific as you can who the program is for will help you with your program design, how it is offered, when it is offered, pricing and what else is included (i.e. additional individual coaching sessions, manuals, e-manuals, audio). As you undertake your work, notice who you enjoy working with, who is being pulled towards your programs.

We spend some in the Group Coaching Essentials program looking at what your particular clients really want. What do you want to ask your clients about their needs this week.

What other group coaching niches have you heard about? Who do you want to work with? As always, please feel free to comment below.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Phone: 416.996.8326
Join me July 14-15 in Huntsville, Muskoka for the 2 day Group Coaching Intensive. The focus of this program is to give you tools you can use immediately in your own group coaching work, as well as opportunities for practice and feedback on your skills. A couple of spaces are still open - would love to have you join us.

Evaluation Questions - Group Coaching

2011-06-15T11:38:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week I posted on the importance of evaluation in the group coaching process, with a couple of coaches emailing me asking "What type of evaluation questions might I want to ask"?

You may wish to ask for feedback on the following (in no particular order)
1. Venue/Bridgeline
2. Ease of Program Registration
3. Materials provided
4. Facilitation/Coaching quality
5. Benefits the clients/participants viewed from the process
6. The most important goal the client has taken action on as a result of the program
7. The most important learning/new insight as a result of their participation
8. What they really found useful (topic/homework assignment)
9. What topics/themes they would add and/or take away
10. Price Point
11. Individualized attention to their needs
12. What they wish they had known before participating in the program...
13. What they know now (knowledge/insights) because of participating in the program
14. Group/Individual Support between sessions
15. Quality of the coaching requests/fieldwork/assignments/inquiries

This is by no means a comprehensive list, and certainly you will not want to ask for feedback on all these areas at once. These are areas you as a coach will want to take a look at and reflect upon in terms of impact and potential improvements each and every time you run a program.

In addition to asking for written feedback, also ask for quantitative (numerical) feedback.

You will also want to ask for testimonials/recommendations from participants to provide prospective clients/participants with real-life feedback and insights from those who are alumni.

As I mentioned earlier this week, there is a lot more on this topic in Chapter 10 of the Effective Group Coaching book and I spend time covering this in the Group Coaching Essentials program.

As a coach, what other areas are you eager to get feedback on? As always, please feel free to email below!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials - New Group starts July 13th (Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern/New York) - Registration now open. 6.75 CCEs.

Join me on July 14 and 15th in Muskoka, Canada for a 2 day in person Group Coaching Intensive (Holiday Inn Huntsville, ON) program, geared to provide you with tools, and practice in the area of group coaching. We'll also cover evaluation! 15 hours of training, ICF CCES have been applied for (15 hrs - 13 hrs Core Competencies, 2 hrs Biz Development)
Questions? Please feel free to contact me directly at info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Evaluation Feedback and Group Coaching

2011-06-13T10:43:00.007-04:00

Evaluation plays a key role in any group coaching context. How are you incorporating feedback and more structured evaluations into your programs?

Feedback is important for:
1. Taking a pulse of the group each and every session
2. Making changes as you progress through each session
3. Making changes for new programs
4. Testimonials at the end of a program are an important marketing tool
5. Feedback at the end of the program can point to benefits clients receive from participation, what they really enjoy, quality of materials/coaching/ assignments etc.

Resources you may want to explore related to the topic of evaluation are:
Donald Kirkpatrick's 4 Levels of Evaluation (the seminal work in the realm of evaluation and training and development)
Jack Phillips numerous writings on the topic of ROI (Return on Investment)
Anderson and Anderson's Coaching that Counts

Many of these books are listed as some of my favorites on my Amazon storefront.

What other resources would you recommend for coaches to refer to as it relates to evaluation? As always, please feel free to comment below.

You may also be interested in checking out Chapter 10 of my book, Effective Group Coaching, which goes into greater depth about evaluation for coaches for their group coaching programs.

Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
One month to go! Join me in Huntsville, Ontario for the 2 day Group Coaching Intensive (July 14-15, 2011). Special pricing for ICF-GTA members and alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program.
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Join me Thursday for the Accelerated Group Coaching Essentials program

2011-06-06T10:22:00.004-04:00

A quick note to let you know that there are still a couple of spots open for the accelerated Group Coaching Essentials program, starting this Thursday at 7pm ET. This is an ICF accredited CCE program (6.75 hours), geared to support coaches in the design, marketing and implementation of their own group coaching work.

The summer accelerated program will be meeting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-8:15 pm Eastern/New York by phone on June 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23rd. It is perfect timing for coaches wanting to run programs this summer and fall, who don't want to reinvent the wheel and want to build onto the tried and tested tips and tools for group coaching.

We cover the following topics:

· The Foundation of Group Coaching – What is Group Coaching, How does Group Coaching Differ from Training and Workshops, 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, Finding Your Marketing Sweet Spot

· Filling Up Your Toolbox – Exercises and Other Resources for Group Coaching. The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Group Coaches

Here's what coaching alumni have said:

“I have been leading group coaching programs for more than three years now. Jennifer Britton’s Group Coaching Essentials program provided me with the knowledge, insights and tools to take my programs to an even higher level! I highly recommend this program to every coach has or wants to add group coaching as part of their offerings.

Ann Farrell, CPCC, PCC, Quantum Endeavors®, Inc.

www.quantumendeavors.com; www.yourcorporatesuccess.com”

"I love programs that give lots of useful takeaways. By that, I mean that I can use the materials I receive immediately in my business. The Group Coaching Essentials program gave me just that. Not only has it jump-started my group coaching offerings, it will pay for itself many times over in the additional revenue I will generate" - Nan O'Connor, MCC, http://www.nanoconnor.com

For more info and to register please visit http://bit.ly/9Q7oSc. Current pricing is $325 US or CDN (plus HST). Pricing will increase in September.

The program includes:

* 5 x 75 minute teleseminar classes

* a 75 page manual with modules delivered weekly by email

*Pre-program 1-1 with me, as well as lazer coaching calls throughout the program (15 min each)

* Recordings of each call if you cannot make one

Additional sessions will start :
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: July 13, 20, 27, August 3 and 10, 2011

Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: August 4, 11, 18, 25 and Sept 1, 2011

Space is limited to 6 -8 coaches per class to ensure maximum interaction, and customization for your learning needs.

Many coaches opt to follow it up with the Advanced Group Coaching Practicum, and may also participate in the in person Group Coaching Intensive (next one July 14-15 in Huntsville, Ontario).

I hope that you will join me. Questions? Please give me a call at 416.996.TEAM (8326).

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials.com
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Group Coaching - Working with Your Participant's Styles

2011-06-06T10:10:00.002-04:00

I had a great weekend, spending Saturday leading an offsite retreat for a client. A major focus of the day was around strengths, and strengths based leadership, key topics which I think are crticial in today's business environment.

The day reminded me of the importance of providing different options to meet the diverse learning needs and different styles of group members.

Helping group/team members identify what their unique styles are, and how they impact their work and relationships (personal and professional) can be a very impactful activity. Some of the style assessments you may consider looking at are:
- the DiSC
- MBTI (note certification needed)
- Personal Style Inventory (PSI)

Of course the whole realm of strengths based work, which is not styles per say, but help teams identify and understand their differences:
- Strengths Finder 2.0
- VIA Strengths

Questions to consider:
1. What assessments do you have at your disposal, or enjoy working with?
2. What impact would style considerations or strengths based work have in your own work with groups/teams?
3. What do you know about your own style preferences? How does this impact your work positively, negatively?
4. What do you know about your own strengths? How are you leveraging these yourself? What else could you be doing to ease into them?

Have a great start to the week!

Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: 416.996.8326
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

New Audio - 28 Group Coaching Exercise Ideas

2011-06-03T09:12:00.006-04:00

Throughout the course of the Group Coaching Essentials program, I often get asked about what are some exercises/tools I can bring into the Group Coaching context. We spend one of the five classes of the program looking at concrete tools you may wish to bring in and adapt for your groups.

Earlier this week, I recorded a short 5 minute audio which includes 28 Group Coaching Exercise ideas. You can listen to it here.

I hope that it will spark some new ideas for you for your own programs!

Warm regards
Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CPT
Group Coaching Essentials - Join us for the June Accelerated program (Tues/Thurs 7-8:15 pm ET/New York: June 9, 14, 16, 21, 23) and get a head start on your summer and fall group coaching programs. Spaces still open. The course is accredited for 6.75 ICF CCEs.
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) and the Engaging Exercises for Teams and Groups Manual
Phone: 416.996.8326

Upcoming June Programs: Group Coaching, Mentor Coaching, Biz Building

2011-06-01T06:55:00.001-04:00

June is always a popular month for coaches to get focused on their own business development and plans for late summer and fall group programs (group coaching, workshops, retreats, teleseminars). Here's what's on tap this month:

Group Program Virtual Retreat - Friday June 3 and 10 (1-4 pm Eastern/New York both days): Geared for professionals who want to focus and take action on the planning, design and marketing of an upcoming group program (workshop/retreat/teleseminar/group coaching). The retreat includes 6 hours of structured individual exercises, a manual and access to me throughout the course of the program. We'll be meeting for 15 minutes of each hour as a group, with each hour focusing on a different component of your group program success! Exercises and support focus on program design, marketing and exercises so that you've got a skeleton by the end of our time together. The program will be offered again on Tuesday July 26th (10-4 pm Eastern).
Cost: $175 US or CDN.

for more info or to register for the Group Program Virtual Retreat

Summer BizSuccess Virtual Retreat - Friday June 17 and 24 (1:30 - 4:30 pm Eastern/NY)
Geared for business owners eager to create the space and focus to plan, and take action on key business goals and activities. The BizSuccess Virtual Retreat is especially geared for coaches, trainers and other service based professionals who want to look at, AND ACTION on, their core business components such as their business vision, goals and marketing strategies. The program includes 6 hours of structured exercises, a manual which includes related business templates as well as the opportunity to meet during the program with me. Cost: $175 US or CDN (plus HST). Click here for more info or to register.

Mentor Coaching Group (including ACC Renewals) June 24 - September 30, 2011
Starting June 24th (Fridays 11 - 12 noon Eastern) I will be offering a special mentor coaching program which meets the requirements of the ICF for ACC renewal for mentor coaching. Coaches will participate in 7x 1 hour group calls over the 3 month period, and will undertake 3 x 1 hour individual mentor coaching calls with me. Each call looks at a different ICF core coaching competency. Coaches will have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback on their coaching skills. Each lesson will also be accompanied by a coaching tool or template I use in my business, along with a business tip to support your own business development. The program meets the 10 hour requirement of mentor coaching for ICF re-certification. Another group will start in early August - contact us for more details (runs August - November)
Click here for more info and to register.

and of course, our programs geared specifically to Group Coaching include:

The Group Coaching Essentials program (Accredited by ICF for 6.75 CCEs):
Summer Accelerated Program starts June 9th (Tues and Thurs: June 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23, 2011
July 2011:Wednesdays 10:30 -11:45 am Eastern/New York/Toronto:July 13, 20, 27, August 3, and 10, 2011
August 2011:Thursdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern: August 4, 11, 18, 25 and September 1, 2011
Each month I work with a small group of coaches (maximum 6-8) in the Group Coaching Essentials program. The program covers tools, exercises and resources to support coaches with the design, marketing and implementation of their own group coaching programs. We look at both in person and virtual (web and phone) based programs, as well as tips for groups from the general public and organizations. The program includes 5 x 75 minute calls, access to lazer/laser(15 minute) 1-1 calls with me (at no additional cost), and an 80 page manual (delivered in weekly modules). Benefit from the accountability and structure of the program to get your own group coaching program going!Price: $325 US or Canadian (plus HST). Note pricing will increase in September to $375 US or $375 CDN (including HST)
Click here for more info and to register for the Group Coaching Essentials program.

Group Coaching Intensive (In Person Training, 15 hours)July 14-15, 2011: Huntsville, Ontario (Muskoka) and October 2011 - TorontoThis two day in-person group coaching training program focuses on providing coaches with both knowledge and content as well as practice, and feedback, on their group coaching skills. The course covers core group coaching skills, along with practical tips and tools for designing, running and marketing your own programs. Both new and experienced coaches can benefit from this program, as can alumni of the Group Coaching Essentials program. Participants will leave the program with tools, resources, skills and practice in group coaching.
The program includes:
* 15 hours of instruction and contact in an in-person envrionment (our April program was accredited for 15 hours of CCES with the ICF - 13 hrs Core Competencies, 2 hrs Business Development)
* The Group Coaching Intensive Manual
* A Group Coaching Toolbox (yes! your own physical toolbox of program tools and resources)
* A copy of the Effective Group Coaching book
* A follow up call with Jenn and the group in August/September (time to be determined by group)
Price: $950 CDN plus HST
Click here for more info or to register

I look forward to having you join me in an upcoming program! Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials

Powerful Group Coaching Questions - What? So What? Now What?

2011-05-26T15:35:00.003-04:00

Powerful Group Coaching (and Experiential!) Questions - What? So What? Now What?
Copyright Jennifer Britton, 2011. All Rights Reserved.

My roots with groups extend back several decades to the late 1980s to my first work in the experiential education field working around youth development issues. Thinking back to these formative experiences for me as a university student spending summers working in Algonquin Park, I recognize how influenced my work has been as a trainer, coach and consultant by Experiential models.

A set of questions that continue to stick out for me from these early learning days were the powerful questions of What? So What? Now What? For those of you who are reading as a coach, you will notice how these three questions are so grounded in many of the coaching models we use.

In the realm of individual and group coaching here's how I tend to incorporate them:

What?
These questions are designed to stimulate thinking about what significant experiences clients/group members have gone through. Common questions you may incorporate include:
What was your most significant achievement this week?
What has been your biggest hurdle?
What have you learned?

So What?
So What questions encourage clients to look at what the meaning and importance is of an issue/experience they have faced. Building on to any of the learning points/experiences which a client(s) has shared, so what questions help to "deepen the learning" (a core coaching competency).
So what questions may include:
So What was important about that?
So what did you learn?

Now What?
Now What Questions help group members and clients look forward/ahead. Based on their experience and new insights, now what changes do they want to make, what actions do they want to take going forward.
Now What questions may include:
Now What are you going to do (differently)?
Now what changes are you going to make?
Now what are you going to keep an eye on?

How do you incorporate these types of questions into your work? How may these be useful?

As always I'll encourage you to leave a post below, or comment over at our Facebook page.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2011)
Join me for the Group Program Virtual Retreat (June 3 and 10) or the upcoming Group Coaching Essentials Summer Accelerated Program (June 9 - 24 by phone: 6.75 CCEs)

Coaching Business Builder - Collaboration

2011-05-24T15:33:00.004-04:00

Finding the right partners in building and running your business is an important process. Whether you are co-designing and co-facilitating programs, getting support from interns or virtual assistants, or partnering with other service providers, collaboration that works is critical for coaches.

How do you create great collaboration? What are some questions to consider when looking to create partnerships or collaborations that work?

Here are a few I include in a bonus chapter on Co-Facilitation to my book, Effective Group Coaching, (available when you purchase a copy of the book from my site):
1. What are your strengths? Passions weaknesses?
2. How are you complimentary? Where do your skills match? What gaps still exist? What other skills might you still requir?
3. Clearly define your roles - What roles are required to complete the task? Who will take care of what?
4. What are your expectations for your partnership?

(Adapted from Effective Group Coaching Addendum - Co-Facilitation, Britton, 2010. All Rights Reserved, pp. 4-5)

Another couple of questions I would also add are:
1. What does collaboration mean to me? To us?
2. What can we do to support each other? What will be valuable (and seen as support)?
3. How do we define success and quality?
4. What's the most amazing thing that could come out of this partnership?
5. What are we willing to commit to?

A great book to look at collaboration and the impact of it from a business and leadership standpoint is Collaboration by Morten T. Hansen (HBR Press, 2009). As Morten states:
"Bad collaboration is worse than no collaboration at all" .

What steps will you take to ensure you create the best collaboration possible? You may also want to check out some of the past posts I've written on co-facilitation here at the blog (click to your right).

Have a great week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPT
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Group Coaching Essentials - our Summer accelerated teleseminar program starts on Thurs June 9th (Tues/Thurs 8-9:15 pm ET). Ready to start designing and running your own group coaching programs? 6.75 CCEs
Phone: 416.996.TEAM (8326)

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Group Coaching - Is Everyone Coachable?

Benefits of Group Coaching To Organizations

Four Reasons to Evaluate Your Group Coaching Work

Group Coaching Trends for 2012

Coaching Business Builder - Leverage

Upcoming January Programs - Mentor Coaching Group, Group Coaching Essentials

What's Going to Be Your Focus in 2012?

Top 10 Questions About Group Coaching During 2011

Selecting Group Coaching Exercises and Activities

2012 Virtual BIzPlanning Retreat - Thurs Dec 22nd

Coaching Business Builder - Fostering Your Relationships

8th Annual Year End Group Programs Call - Fri Dec 2 at 12 noon ET

Team Coaching Resources

Group Coaching - Supports for the Coach

CSTD A Trainers Essential Coaching Toolkit Follow up

Last call - Group Coaching Essentials starts Nov 15th at 10:30 am ET

Core Coaching Competency - Powerful Questions

Upcoming Programs - Group Coaching Training, Retreats, Mentor Coaching Group

Team versus Group Coaching - What's the Difference?

Making Virtual Group Coaching More Effective - 5 Tips

Group Coaching Nuts and Bolts - Room Set up

Upcoming Events - Group Coaching - Join me

Virtual Group Coaching Tips

Coaching Business Builder - Track It!

Pre-Program Questions for Corporate Clients

Pre-Program Questions for Clients - Individual/Public Clients

Group Coaching Intensive - Toronto - November 5-6

Group Coaching: Being Proactive in Navigating Tricky Issues

Coaching Business Builder - Get Out There!

Mentor Coaching Group Starts Tues Sept 27 at 8:30 pm Eastern

Always have a back up

Group Coaching Intensive: Nov 5-6 in Toronto

8 Ideas for Preparing For Your First Phone/Web Based Session

Coaching Business Builder - Work SMARTER not Harder

Marketing Your Group Coaching Services

Conflict and Groups

Virtual Facilitation Tips for Teleclasses and Group Coaching

Coaching Business Builder - Systematize

Group Dynamics and Group Coaching: This Thursday at 3 pm ET

Selecting A Group Exercise - Questions To Consider

Coaching Business Builder - 1% Rule

One Day of Action- Join Me Tuesday July 26th

Group Facilitation Tip - Switch It Up

Common Challenges for New Group Coaches

2011 Best Coaching Blogs - Made it to Round 2

Four Summer Programs for Coaches

Group Coaching Skills for the Virtual Environment

The Power of a Metaphor

Group Coaching Intensive Accredited for 15 CCEs

Two weeks & Two Spots Left for the Group Coaching Intensive (Muskoka)

The imporatance of trust within the group coaching process

Coaching Business Builder - Focus on Ease and Impact

Group Coaching Niches

Evaluation Questions - Group Coaching

Evaluation Feedback and Group Coaching

Join me Thursday for the Accelerated Group Coaching Essentials program

Group Coaching - Working with Your Participant's Styles

New Audio - 28 Group Coaching Exercise Ideas

Upcoming June Programs: Group Coaching, Mentor Coaching, Biz Building

Powerful Group Coaching Questions - What? So What? Now What?

Coaching Business Builder - Collaboration