Pre-Program Questions for Clients - Individual/Public Clients

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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 click 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).