Don't let technology get in the way with your group programs

Group Programs - Don't Let Technology Get in the Way
Jennifer Britton. Copyright 2012.

Lately I've had a lot of professionals, including coaches, talk about how technology has actually gotten in the way of their virtual/online learning experiences - whether they have been participating,  or leading a teleclass, a group coaching session or a webinar. Virtual Programs have been a mainstay of my work for the last eight years and can be a terrific way to bring people together regardless of location.

The following are four tips for coaches and facilitators to consider before and during a program to  ensure that technology does not get in the way and actually inhibit the learning process:

1. Test it out and practice - Before using the service you have provided test out the different options, be familiar with the codes to mute all, self-mute, raise hands, record etc. Practice using these.
2. Have a back up - In the event of a failure with technology, have a back up. If it is an extended program you are running, discuss what and where people should turn if there is a bridgeline failure. For example, will you email them with instructions? Is there an automatic bridgeline people turn to?
3. Confirm that all people can access the services you use. Increasingly I am finding that callers from certain locations are unable to access certain area codes. Rather than leaving people frustrated last minute as they dial into a number they cannot reach, you may want to consider sending out bridgeline information well in advance, with a request to have participants try the number a couple of days before the call. This definitely lowers the last minute frustrations.
4. Provide callers with an FAQ - i.e. instructions on how to do things like mute/raise hands etc. Another trend I notice with teleclasses I run is that people are calling in from a variety of modalities - skype, I-phones, cell phones and landlines. Although I do not like to mute the entire call, poor call quality can be a real deterrent. Providing callers with an FAQ on how to connect/mute can also help.

These tips are geared to help you to focus on your role as facilitator - delivering a great call and learning experience, rather than getting stuck into a lot of just-in time logistics. Technology can always happen - perhaps this may mitigate against some of the challenges that can surface.

Some different bridgeline services you may want to check out are:
Freeconferencecalling.com - Great recording services with ability to share your recordings in a number of ways - online, via Facebook, through Tweets and also through a link on your website.
Freeconferencecall.com - also can connect with screensharing. Has local access numbers for a variety of countries.
MaestroConferencing - Allows you to bring people together in virtual rooms. Paid Service.

Which bridgeline services do you use and enjoy? What tips would you provide to others regarding things to do with their own programs.

For more info regarding considerations for leading virtual group coaching programs you may want to check out Chapter 7 of my book, Effective Group Coaching. Take the Self-Assessment there to see how your skills and confidence stack up in leading virtual programs.

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar (6.75 CCEs - starts Wed May 23 at 7pm Eastern) and the Group Coaching Intensive (15 CCEs - July 12 -13 in Huntsville, Muskoka).
Phone: (416)996-TEAM (8326)

Group Coaching Intensive: July 12 - 13: 15 Take-Aways

I am looking forward to leading the next two day in-person Group Coaching Intensive in beautiful Huntsville, Muskoka, Canada on July 12-13, 2012. The program will be of interest to both coaches who are looking to add group coaching to their offerings, or want to deepen their skills and practice in group coaching.  The program is approved by the ICF for 15 CCEs (including 13 hrs of core competencies, and 2 hours of business development)

 

15 things you’ll learn, or take-away from the Group Coaching Intensive: 

1. What group coaching is and how it is different and similar to workshops, retreats and individual coaching
2. Essential skills for group coaching and how you stack up
3. Key issues in group dynamics
4. Tools for designing your own group coaching programs, whether in person
5. Key considerations for Knowing Your Client
6. Essential components in opening, closing a session and keeping the flow
7. Core exercises and tools for group coaching
8. How to create actions, assignments and accountability to take your clients to the next how
9. New group coach stretch points, pitfalls and how to avoid them
10. Designing Virtual Programs – Phone, Web, Key considerations when going virtual
11. Corporate considerations – positioning group coaching, connections with other initiatives
12. Evaluating your programs
13. Pricing your group coaching work
14. Developing a marketing strategy for promoting your work – social media and traditional media
15. Tricky Issues – how to avoid them, and what to do if they happen

And two of the most valuable things coaches have indicated from their experience with the Intensive – the ability to have their specific questions answered in the small group intensive, the opportunity to connect with other coaches, and practice and feedback!

Today, May 15th, is the last day to benefit from the Early Bird rate of $775 CDN (plus HST). Pricing will increase to $950 (plus HST) tomorrow. Take advantage of the early bird pricing. Included in your registration are the 15 hrs of training, a copy of Effective Group Coaching, a group follow up call after the event, and your own physical Group Coaching Toolkit to take forward with your work. A special accommodation room rate is being arranged for coaches attending.

The program will be held in beautiful Huntsville, Muskoka, CANADA. Take a look at what Muskoka has to offer - it's a great excuse for making this a family holiday! Muskoka was voted as a top summer destination last year by National Geographic.

You can learn more about the Group Coaching Intensive here, as well as register online.

Spaces are limited as this is a hands-on learning experience.

I hope that you will join me this summer in beautiful Muskoka! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Warm regards

Jennifer 

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2012)

Phone: (416)996-8326

Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

Can't make it to Muskoka this summer but are still looking for further development in the area of group coaching? Consider joining us for an upcoming Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar program (new programs start May 23, July 10, and August 10 - 6.75 CCEs) as well as the follow-up phone based Advanced Group Coaching Practicum. 

Visual Supports in Your Group Coaching Work

Some of my fave visuals - http://pinterest.com/jennjbritton

Many readers may have heard me talk about, and write about, the importance of visual supports in your work - whether it happens by phone or in person. Some research points to the fact that learners are increasingly becoming more visual, particularly as new generations enter the workforce.

Here are a couple of ideas for providing visual supports in your group coaching work:

1. Visual Explorer - Is use this terrific tool from the Center for Creative Leadership at least once a month with groups, if not more often. It is a great conversation starter and keeper. Visual explorer is a series of very vivid photographs. Coaching questions can range from selecting the photo which represents "what is your vision" to "what does ______ look like" (Fill in the blank according to the themes you are working around. I have used the tool with HR Managers, Engineers, police officers, UN personnel, safety individuals, educators, coaches. It always starts the conversation flowing! From my understanding there is also a digital version available which I think could be adapted for phone or web based group coaching work.

2. Points of View - the Coaching Game - I've been really pleased to see how they have continued to evolve the supports for coaches with this product, recently including instructions/directions on how to use the tool with groups.

3. Pinterest - I recently stumbled on Pinterest (see screen shot above)and am continually thinking about how I might be able to use the platform in the group coaching context. For now, you can check out the boards I have created on Group Coaching training, group coaching quotations, business building, and venue sites that I like. Enjoy! I look forward to connecting with you there.

What other visual supports/tools would you recommend?

Have a great week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Group Coaching Essentials (6.75 CCEs) - New teleclasses start May 8 and May 23 (Wed 7-8:15 pm ET)
Group Coaching Intensive (15 CCEs) - July 12 - 13, 2012 in Huntsville, Muskoka, CANADA. Early Bird rate on until May 15
.

Coaching Business Builder - Know Your Client

Putting our clients, or the people we coach, front and center is a key part of the coaching process. Knowing your client is also critical in terms of creating a group coaching program that is relevant, resonant and impactful for them.

For many years I have been talking about the importance of "Knowing your Client" in the Group Coaching Essentials program. Our clients will shape when and how our programs are offered, key themes, how we market the program, and what themes the coaching will explore.

As you consider your future program ideas, I would encourage you to consider these questions around your ideal client:
1. What are there needs?
2. What are the questions/challenges/concerns keeping them up at night?
3. What solutions are they looking for?

• Resources
• Guides
• Individual work
• Group work
• Team work

4. Where do they congregate (online, in person)?
5. Where do they look for information and development?
6. What are there preferences around time, dates, length of commitment?
7. Who are some of the key influencers in the field/industry/geography they are located in?

For those that have a copy of Effective Group Coaching you may wish to refer to, and complete, The Client Profile on pages 99 and 100.These questions can be applied not only to the group coaching context, but will be useful as you think about all your programs and services.

What other questions are important for you to consider when you think about your clients?

Have a great week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Host of the Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCEs) - groups start May 8 and 23
Early Bird Rate for the July 12 -13 Group Coaching Intensive in Muskoka on until May 15th

May Programs - Group Coaching Training

For coaches who are interested in boosting their skills, here are some of the upcoming May programs and specials I am offering. I  hope that you will join us:


Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCEs)
Two May groups start:
Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am Eastern: May 8, 14, 22, June 5 and 12 (3 spots open) OR
Wednesdays 7-8:15 pm Eastern: May 23, 30, June 6, 13, and 20

This teleseminar program provides coaches with tips and tools so to design, market and implement their own group coaching programs - in person, virtual, corporate or public groups. Coaches will benefit from our weekly discussions, as well as the 70+ page notes which accompany the program, the accountability provided through weekly assignments, and 1-1 support from me through lazer calls. Cost: $375 US or CDN. Click here for more info and to register.


Group Coaching Intensive - July 12 - 13, 2012 in Huntsville, Ontario (15 CCEs with the ICF including 13 Core Competencies)
This is a two day in person program which provides an in-depth look and practice around group coaching. Topics include core skills, marketing, pricing, tricky issues, best practices, design, and you will have several opportunities to practice your skills throughout the two days. Described as "a terrific incubator for group coaching skills", a "must have", this program also includes an 80 page manual, a copy of the Effective Group Coaching book, The Group Coaching Toolbox (a physical box of resources to support you with your work), a pre-program 1-1 with me, a a post program group call.
Early Bird savings of $200 until May 15. Early Bird rate $775 plus HST ($875.75). Price increases to $950 plus HST after May 15. Space is limited. Click here to reserve your spot and for more info.

Mentor Coaching Group - For ACC Renewals, and ACC/PCC portfolio routes
Upcoming programs:
Friday June 1 - 1 - 2 pm Eastern: Group calls held on June 1, 8, 15, July 20, 27, Aug 10, 24.
Friday August 10 - 12 - 1 pm Eastern - August 10, 17, 24, Sept 14, 21, Oct 12, Nov 9
This is a 10 hour mentor coaching program geared to support coaches in honing and strengthening their core coaching skills. 7 hours of group calls explore the 11 core coaching competencies, and provide you with practice and feedback on your skills. We also hold 3 hours of 1-1 mentor coaching over the three months. Each group call is accompanied with worksheets and resources to support you with your skill development. Cost: $1000 for the 10 hour program. Space is limited to 4 coaches per session.
Click here to reserve your spot or learn more

I look forward to meeting many of you in person in Chicago next month at the ICF Mid West Regional Conference. I will be speaking on Group Coaching on the Friday morning. Hope that you will join us!

Have a great month!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
GroupCoachingEssentials.com
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: (416)996-TEAM

Core Coaching Competency - Powerful Questions Part 2

One of the 11 core coaching competencies of the ICF is powerful questions. In my mind, powerful questions can create the backbone of any group coaching process. The ICF defines powerful questioning as the "ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client".

Within this definition there are four sub-components:
1. Asks questions that reflect active listening and an understanding of the client's perspective.
2. Asks questions that evoke discovery, insight, commitment, or action (e.g. those that challenge the client's assumptions)
3. Asks open-ended questions that create greater clarity, possibility or new learning
4. Asks questions that move the client towards what they desire, not questions that ask for he client to justify or look backwards.
Source: Coachfederation.org (11 Core Coaching Competencies - Minimum Skill Requirements)

In your own coaching conversations this week reflect on the following:
1. What do I notice about the impact of my questions?
2. Do my questions create greater clarity, possibility or new learning?
3. How do the questions match the needs of the client perspectives present
4. How do these question focus on the future and what the client's goals are?

One area I continue to be very interested in is the impact of learning styles and the coaching process. Notice the impact of how you phrase your questions to different group members. If there are gorup members who are more visual, they may respond better to "What does it look like?" versus a person who is more kinesthetic who may respond better to "What does it feel like?".

A couple of months ago one of my newsletter articles focused on Powerful Questions. You may want to check it out here. It includes links to some other resources you may find useful. If you have the book, Effective Group Coaching, you may want to check out pages 148-150 for a quick list of some standard questions you may find useful at different parts of the coaching process (i.e. check in, closure).

Have a terrific week!

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
GroupCoachingEssentials.com
Phone: 416.996.TEAM (8326)

Upcoming Programs you may be interested in:
Group Coaching Essentials - the next teleseminar program starts Tuesday May 8 at 10:30 am (3 spots still open). 6.75 CCEs
Advanced Group Coaching Practicum - Starts Friday April 27th at 10:30 am Eastern (2 spots open)
Mentor Coaching Group - Starts Friday June 1st at 1 pm Eastern

A quick reminder of programs starting this week

I hope that your Monday has started off well! I wanted to send a quick reminder of two programs I have starting this week - a couple spaces are open in both programs:

Advanced Group Coaching Practicum (7.5 hrs) starts this Friday April 27 at 10:30 am Eastern - Designed for coaches experienced in group coaching, this phone based program takes a deeper dive at topics related to group coaching - advanced topics related to design, marketing, co-facilitation, systems, structures, tricky issues. There is a practicum component to the program such that each coach will lead part of one of the sessions, and will receive feedback on their skills. This is a great program for coaches who are looking to deepen their knowledge, get focused on their programs and further refine their skills. 6 x 75 minute teleclasses which are supported by weekly module notes, and 1-1 calls with me. Group Calls will be held April 27, May 11, 18, June 1, 8 and 15 (Fridays: 10:30 -11:45 am Eastern). Space is limited. Click here for more info and to reserve your spot. Cost: $375 US or CDN.

Mentor Coaching Group (10 hrs) starts tomorrow, Tuesday April 24th. The Mentor Coaching Group consists of 7 hrs of group mentor coaching, and 3 hrs of 1-1 mentor coaching, looking at the ICF Core Coaching Competencies. It is geared for ACC Renewals, and those applying for their ACC or PCC portfolio routes. Each group call we look at a couple of the 11 Core Coaching competencies - approaches, techniques and scenarios. Each coach will also get one or two opportunities to coach during the calls and receive feedback on their skills. Each group call is supplemented with workshets/module notes and resource lists. Space is limited to 4-6 coaches. Cost: $1000 US for the 10 hour program. Click here for more info and to reserve your spot.
Group Mentor Calls will be held:
Tuesday April 24 - 7:30 - 8:30 pm Eastern, other group calls will be held on Tuesdays from 12 - 1 pm Eastern: May 1, 15, 29, June 5, 19 and one other (to be set by group). 3 x 1 hour individual calls will be scheduled at a time mutually convenient.

Hope to have you join us!

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: 416.996.TEAM (8326)
Note the Early Bird rate for the July 12 - 13 Group Coaching Intensive in Huntsville, Muskoka, CANADA is on until May 15th (a savings of more than $200). Looking forward to meeting many of you this summer!