What's the optimum size of a group coaching session?

I often get asked the question - what's the optimum size of a group coaching session? I'm afraid that there is no one single response. One of my values in running programs is interactivity, so I tend to limit most of my group coaching programs run by phone to 8 participants for an hour - 75 minute session. This allows for discussion amongst individual clients, and both individual and group work on the phone.

In looking at your own programs and identifying the ideal group size, consider the following:

• What is your company and coaching philosophy?
• Is the program in person? By phone?
• How long is the program running - individual sessions, number of sessions?
• What are the goals of the program?
• What do your clients expect? What will benefit them most?
• What do you want clients to take away? To experience in your program?
• How have you priced the program? What is your financial bottom line?

Considering these questions will support you in coming up with your own optimum group coaching session size.

Group Coaching Essentials Program starts March 7th

Are you looking to develop or refine your own Group Coaching Programs? The next Group Coaching Essentials program will be starting on March 7th. This teleseminar program is held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:15 pm (EST) on March 7, 21, 28 and April 11th.

This program is designed for coaches who want to expand their practice to include group coaching. The course covers the nuts and bolts of Group Coaching and will provide you with new tools and structures to create your own Group Coaching Programs. Topics include:

• The Essentials of Group Coaching - What is it? How does it differ from one-on-one coaching? Adult Learning Principles. Experiential Education. Best practices in group coaching
• The Nuts and Bolts of developing Your Group Coaching Program: How Tos, Templates, Techniques
• Marketing Your Group Coaching Program
• Filling Your Toolbox: Exercises and other resources for group coaching

The cost of the program is $225 USD and includes four 75 minute group calls, a follow-up group call, pre and post course 1-1 meetings with the course facilitator, and a comprehensive manual for your reference and use in group coaching programs.

Course size is limited to 8 coaches so please register early!

To find out more, or to register, please contact me, Jennifer at jennifer@potentialsrealized.com or call me toll free at 1-866-217-1960. Your own group coaching program will be ready to roll out by the spring. Think about that!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer

Potentials Realized: www.potentialsrealized.com

A Personal Welcome to the Group Coaching Ins and Outs Blog

How To....Set Up A Teleseminar Bridge Line

Throughout the Group Coaching Essentials program (stay tuned...a new program is starting in a few weeks) I get a lot of coaches who ask, "How do I set up a Teleseminar bridge line so I can run my group coaching programs by phone?".

I offer my group coaching programs both by phone and in person. Each has its advantages and disadvantages (more on this later). Over the past year, I've been focusing more of my time on phone based programs, particularly as I have an 8-month old son. I really love the diversity of phone based programs - having participants call in from all over the world and from so many different time zones.

There are a number of ways you can arrange for your own teleseminar bridge lines. Some are at cost, some free.

If you are a member of the ICF (International Coach Federation) one of the member benefits has been free bridgeline accessibility for a couple hours each month. You can also check out www.freeconference.com. I've been using FreeConference.com for the last two years and have never had a problem. It's a great service.

If you are looking to develop your own teleseminar or phone based group coaching program, and want some tips and tools to support you, along with an accountability structure, you will want to consider the Group Coaching Essentials program. This, and much, much more is covered during the one-month program. Later this week, I'll be posting some of the comments from the January coaches who just completed the program, along with the next course dates which start soon!

Creating the Container for Group Coaching

As a group coach it is important to spend time during your initial session with a new group to create the container - by setting ground rules or ways of working together. I do this for both in-person programs, and phone based programs.

I typically spend a few minutes at the start of any new group coaching program facilitating a process in which we create the terms by which we work together - starting and ending on time, confidentiality etc.

Each group tends to come up with their own unique terms for how they want to interact.

What are the ground rules you would like to put forth as a start? How are these terms - such as confidentiality, defined? How will the group define these terms? How do they relate to the ICF Code of Ethics?

Write down the ways of working you want to put forth in your next group coaching program, and make sure to create space in your first session to discuss them.

Group Coaching Client Assessment (TM) Template Now Available

Looking for a tool to support you in developing your program for your group coaching clients? One of the first steps in developing a powerful and effective program for your group coaching clients is to KNOW Them. The characteristics of the clients you serve will shape the structure, timing, delivery method, content and marketing approaches of your group coaching program.

The Group Coaching Client Assessment (TM) Template is now available from Potentials Realized. This template will support you in identifying the unique characteristics of the clients you serve to make your programs more effective, powerful and marketable. Separate Client Assessments can be completed for the different groups you serve.

This template is available free of charge for a limited time and can be obtained by emailing me, Jennifer, at jennifer@potentialsrealized.com. Please put Group Coaching Client Assessment (TM) Template in your email header.

The Group Coaching Client Assessment (TM) is just one of many tools you receive when you register for the Group Coaching Essentials (TM) program. Our next teleseminar series starts in mid-February. This one month program will support you in designing and developing your own group coaching programs. For more information, and to download a registration form, please visit www.potentialsrealized.com/teles.html.

There's lots more to come regarding Knowing Your Client -- so keep reading!

What's Your Intention for Group Coaching in 2006?

Happy New Year! I hope that 2006 has started off with great success for you.

So, what's your intention for group coaching in 2006? What do you want to create? Have you chosen a topic to sink your teeth into (see the December 28th post)?

Here are some other questions to get you focusing in on your group coaching vision:

• Who is your audience? (More to come on Knowing Your Client)
• What type of group coaching program do you want to develop - in person, by phone?
• When will you launch the program?
• When will you offer the program?
• How many clients do you want to to serve this year through group coaching?
• How much revenue do you want to create from group coaching?
• Who can you partner with?
• What resources do you already have available?
• What additional resources do you need?
• How will you publicize your program?
• What marketing tools will you use? (More on marketing and publicity later)

If you haven't done so already, start a file or a set of notes on what your group coaching program will look like. Development of a new program or product happens step by step. Set aside several times a week to vision and create. You will be amazed at how quickly the foundation can be created!

If you want an additional boost, a few spaces still remain in this month's Group Coaching Essentials Telseminar program. We will be meeting on Tuesdays from 7-8:15 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 17, 24 and 31st. The course will equip you with tools, templates, resources and the space to create or refine your own group coaching program. Cost for the course is $225 USD, and also includes several one-on-one sessions. If you are interested in registering, don't hesitate to contact me by email or phone at 1-866-217-1960.