Webinars, Teleclasses, and Virtual Group Coaching - 5 WOW Factors

Virtual Word Cloud created using Worditout.com

Virtual learning continues to take root whether it's through webinars, teleclasses, virtual group coaching or even on-demand video or e-learning programs. Creating virtual programs that WOW is a key consideration for many coaches. As someone who has offered a bulk of my programming through my business virtually over the last twelve years, my clients and I continue to enjoy the opportunity to learn at times and locations that are convenient, without needing to travel.

So how do we create engaging virtual programming? What are some tips you can consider in the design and implementation of your next webinar, teleclass and/or virtual group coaching? Consider these:

Change the pace regularly - Many of you have heard me talk about the improtance of chainging the pace every 7-10 minutes in face to face programs, in virtual progams, particulaly those that aren't as interactive (i.e. webinars) that time frame gets shortened significantly, even down to 1-3 minutes. Consider what's going to keep people focused, engaged and out of the "Death by Conference Call" Mode

Don't be afraid to engage and experiment with what you would normally do within a face to face environment. A lot of coaches, trainers and facilitators, are hesitant to bring some of their face-to-face approaches (with modification) into the virtual realm. Having facilitated virtually for more than a decade I know that group members are tired of the same "talking head" and lack of interaction. They want something different. Think through how you can adapt some of your favorite face to face activities for the virtual realm. It might involve some pre-work or preparation, breakouts or more time.

Consider the level of engagement you want and then the best approach - Webinars, telsclasses and virtual group coaching can vary along the lines of engagement, content and "who's driving the bus" (the faciltator or the participants). Consider the right vehicle.

•  Are you wanting to pass on a lot of content and don't want interaction. If so, a webinar might be the best way to go.
•  Are you wanting  to pass on a lot of content and want interaction - a webinar incorporating breakouts, chats and even video streaming might be the best route
• Is this a program to support group members towards their goals, self-discovery, planning and action? If so, a group coaching approach which leverages breakouts, large and small group activities will be the best approach

Matching the approach and platform with what you want to create is essential. I'll be covering this my upcoming Virtual Facilitation Skills Intensive program (see below).

Small is beautiful - In my book, Effective Group Coaching, I write that small is beautiful. Think through how many people you really want to support in a virtual program. What is going to work well for you, and their learning? Are you looking to create an interactive, intimate environment where people can get to know each other, connect and trust each other, OR are you looking to get the word out to a mass audience where it's more about the message not connection.
Again, consider the platform and type of virtual learning process (webinar, teleclass, streaming - live or asynchronous, coaching etc) which will influence your ceilings and range of number of participants.
Being clear with expectations around engagement and numbers is key in promoting your work.

Always have a back-up: It's highly likely that something technical may go wrong within the virtual realm. Contingency planning is key. Always have a back up - this may entail having another platform,  having a support team around you, and thinking through the series of What Ifs! Nothing is more frustrating for participants (and will take away from the WOW) if they are struggling with technology and feeling cut off.



I'll be going much more in-depth into virtual programming tips (design, marketing, and implementation) in the upcoming Virtual Facilitation Skills Intensive program. In addition to building to your virtual facilitation and design toolkit, you'll also get several opportunities to practice your skills in the virtual domain (and get feedback from others). We'll be meeting online Thursdays from 12- 3 pm Eastern in this 15 hour Virtual Train-the-Trainer on February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 3rd. We'll be using platforms ranging from bridgelines, to skype, to zoom, join-me, and webinar platforms to give you experience and more confidence on these different platforms. Cost: $950 US. Save 15% when you register with a colleague. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot (5 spots  open).

I'd also invite you to see what I've written about virtual programming over the last decade here at the blog. There's still lots left to cover!

Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer

 Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC, CPT
GroupCoachingEssentials.com | Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2009) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
Phone: (416)996-8326
Email me with any questions you have at info(at)potentialsrealized(dot)com

Upcoming programs include:
The Learning Lab and Design Studio - starting on Fridays later this month: Are you looking for a content rich, community which will support you in learning and experimenting with design, implementation and marketing of group and team programs. The Learning Lab and Design Studio offers coaches, trainers, facilitators and other professionals a place for learning, connection, and accountability. Participate in two group coaching calls a month, a Facilitation Lab monthlyDownload a brochure here or learn more and reserve your spot.
, plus one individual coaching session. Also benefit from dozens of resources aimed at supporting you to do your best work with groups and teams whether you are leading webinars, retreats, teleclasses, group or team coaching. Join us for the year, six months or monthly.

The 38 hour ICF ACSTH approved Group and Team Coaching Training program through Impact Coaching Association starts early February (Tuesdays 12 - 3 pm ET) online.

Virtual Facilitation Skills Intensive - 15 hour train-the-trainer for those wanting to build their virtual toolbox, learn more about best practices in virtual facilitation (for webinars, virtual retreats, teleclasses, telseminars, group and team coaching) and acquire practice and feedback in sharpening their skills. Thursdays 12 - 3 pm Eastern/New York. Click here to learn more and reserve your spot.

Five Essential Elements in Your 2016 Facilitation Toolkit

I love the start of a new year and reading all the posts on trends from the last year, and possibilities for the new year. If you have not viewed my 12th annual year end Group and Teams program call where I cover some of the 2015 trends I saw you can view it here on blab or YouTube. Last week's blog post included three priority areas for group and team coaching. You can read that post here.


For today's post I thought I would highlight five essential elements in your 2016 Facilitation Toolkit. one of my missions this year is to expand the work I do with coaches in refining their facilitation skills and confidence. As many of you know, later this month I will be launching the Learning Lab and Design Studio, a multi-month group coaching program created for those of you who want to expand your work in the areas of groups and teams, and expand your coaching business. It includes group coaching support, a Facilitation lab, some 1-1 time with me and more importantly a growing community of other professionals. Cost is $250 US/month and will be of interest for those looking for some ongoing support, ideas and accountability read more about the Learning Lab and Design Studio here, and/or download a flyer here. 

This year, here are five essential items for your faciltiation toolkit:

1. Post it notes - Post it notes continue to be a favorite of mine and have been so for decades now. They are a great tool to elicit participation from all group members, see connections and focus thoughts. Read this 2008 post I did entitled Post It Notes: A Facilitators Ally.

2. Visual Decks - For many years I have been using visual cards and photographs with in person and virtual groups. A wonderful "conversation sparker" across differences, photos help group members create new perspectives, insights and connections. Whether you are using Visual Explorer, the JICT Deck, Points of you - The Coaching Game, or Conversation Sparker (my deck) consider the many ways you can use cards as openers, closers, or as the main focus of the session.  In late November I released the 40 Ways to Use Visual Cards E-Resource, which includes detailed instructions on 40 ways to facilitate activities with cards (from goal setting, to innovation, to strategic planning, to closure) and also five worksheets you can use "as is".

Working with visuals was also my focus of the Design Studio Blab #6 - View it here.

3, A selection of virtual platforms - having at your ready a selection of virtual platforms can make a big difference. Whether you decide to set up bridgelines, Skype, a Zoom platform, Web Ex, Go To Meeting or other platform, feeling confident in using them and translating some of your in person offerings to the virtual domain can make sense for those who don't want to, or don't have the resources, to travel to participate.
In a few weeks I'll be kicking off the first of four Virtual Facilitation Skills Intensives for 2016. This is a fifteen hour Virtual Train-the-Trainer for those who want to expand their virtual skills and confidence facilitating in the virtual realm. WE'll be meeting Thursdays from 12 - 3 pm ET from 2/4 to 3/4. Click here to learn more or reserve your spot (4 spots open)

4. A variety of back-pocket ideas - You never know what's going to be needed when you work with groups and teams. It's always a great idea to take stock of the different activities and resources we have at our disposal. Spend 15 minutes this week doing an inventory of what you have available and/or going through some of the books/resources you which are accumulating dust. What might you bring into an upcoming session?

5. A community of other practioners - Developing your own network of follow faciltators/coaches and trainers is not only good for business when you want to scale your work, it's also really important in terms of ongoing development. Consider how you will invest in your relationships with other practitioners this year, and also expand your skill base.

What other resources would you recommend for a 2016 Facilitation Toolkit. As always, feel free to comment below.

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC, CPT
GroupCoachingEssentials.com | Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2009) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
(416)996-8326
 
Upcoming programs include:
Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar (8.75 CCEs) starting Thursday January 14th at 1015 am ET (Thurs 1015 - 1130 am ET Jan 14 - Feb 12th)
Learning Lab and Design Studio (6-12 months) - starts Fridays later this month. Download a brochure.
Virtual Facilitation Skills Intensive - Thursdays 12 - 3 pm ET - Feb 4- March 4 (15 hrs) online

2016 Priorities for Group and Team Coaching

For the last several years in early January I've blogged on possible priority areas for group and team coaching. It's become somewhat of an annual tradition. Last week here at the blog I posted on some of the key themes from 2015 we saw in the realm of group and team coaching. Here's the post if you haven't read it yet, and make sure to check out the December blab I hosted as part of my 12th Annual Year End Group Programs call.

Some of the key themes and priorities which I see as being priorities this year include:

1. Clearer definition of group and team coaching competencies. For many years I have written that as sub-disciplines of the coaching profession, we lead from our core coaching competencies (link to ICF Competency framework), AND as the profession becomes more nuanced, there are some important additional skill areas and nuances around the current competencies. Additional skills such as an understanding of group dynamics, process orientation, and a more robust toolkit of resources specific to group and team coaching are some areas. There have been several studies that I am aware of which have started to explore this topic around team coaching, and I'm looking forward to being part of additional conversations which are tackling this important topic area.
What do you see as additional skill sets required for team and group coaches?

2. Continued definition of the field of team coaching - In recent months I've heard a lot of coaches saying that they feel that "team coaching is coming into its own". I fully agree, and just like in the wider coaching profession we need to be vigilant in terms of how we define the field and approaches of team coaching, as well as what it looks like.
I continue to go back to some of the core research which defines coaching as a profession. What is the focus in the work we do around goals, action, awareness and accountability? How does the "intervention' support sustained conversation and change in a team? Who owns the process? How does the team define success? How are we holding the team "naturally creative, resourceful and whole"?
How do you define team coaching with your clients? What makes it distinct from other team interventions?

3. Continued focus and expansion in virtual programming - For coaches and clients alike virtual programming can be a mysterious entity. It does provide so many benefits for clients from greater anonymity, to convenience, and ability to connect with others in a much wider geography. As many more teams become virtual in nature, building our skills in this area will be important. As coaches, the time and cost savings, added to a much larger market reach, continue to be popular selling points.

As someone who has led a bulk of my work virtually for the last 12 years as a coach (and longer than that as a former virtual leader in my earlier career), I continue to work with coaches who are wanting to shift into the realm of virtual programming (Check out the Virtual Facilitation Skills Intensive which will start online on February 4th, or the Learning Lab and Design Studio a longer term group which launches later this month).

What do your clients value - in person? Virtual? What's going to support you in expanding your skills in the virtual domain if it's of interest?

While I think that there are many more areas which are priorities including measurement, engagement approaches, sharpening our skills, I think these three are quite critical for both team and group coaches. I'd love to hear your comments - as always feel free to comment below or join the conversation at the Effective Group Coaching Facebook page.

Have a great first week back to work for 2016!

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC, CPT
GroupCoachingEssentials.com | Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2009) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
(416)996-8326

Join me in January to sharpen your coaching skills, amp up your group and team coaching work and/or coaching business:
Group Coaching Essentials teleclass starting Thursday January14th from 10:15 - 11:30 am ET (8.75 CCEs with the ICF)
Mentor Coaching Group starting Friday January 8th from 9-10 am ET (for ACC Renewals and ACC/PCC portfolio routes
Advanced Group Coaching Practicum - 10 CCEs starting Friday Jan 8th at 10:15 am ET giving you more practice and feedback on your group coaching skills, and exploring topics such as virtual programming, engagement, and activities
The six and twelve month Learning Lab and Design Studio membership group which includes two group calls  a month, a Facilitation Lab, access to a treasure-trove of resources, and some 1-1 time with me monthly. We'll be kicking off on January 22nd or 29th.

Reflecting Back on 2015 Trends for Team and Group Coaches

I hope that you have been enjoying a happy and restful holiday season. As coaches, this can be a busy

time of year with clients preparing for  the new year and taking stock of the year that was.

In January we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Group Coaching Essentials program and I am excited to be hosting some special events, including our new semi-monthly Blabs on the topic of Group and Team Coaching, and also the launch of a new six and twelve month coaching support program for coaches at the Learning Lab and Design Studio.

As I logged in today to write this last post of 2015 it was amazing to note we are almost hitting the 100,000 read mark here at the blog.

A few weeks ago I held my 12th Annual Year End Group Programs call on a newer platform - Blab - and highlighted these four trends that impacted our work during 2015:

 1. Explosion of technology
2. The different options and combinations needed by clients
3. Value in the variety of tools available
4. Recognition that clients engage in different ways (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)

If you missed viewing the blab you can see it on YouTube, or directly at the Group Coaching Design Studio Blab site (and please check out the others I did this fall as well on topics including using visuals,  three core components of group coaching processes etc).

On a macro and global level around Group and Team Coaching, it has been a busy year with group coaching continuing to embed itself as a real option for public and corporate clients, and I can't count how many times I have  heard people say that they think team coaching is ready to explode in terms of demand.

For me, it continues to be a privilege to write, and speak and support coaches in this  area. During 2015 I was able to connect with  more than 1000 coaches directly through my speaking, training and many more through my writing, and blabs. I look forward to continuing to support you during 2016 as well.

Some of this year's most popular posts included the following - perhaps an indication of areas coaches are focusing on:

The Twelfth Annual Year End Group Programs Call  - Read and View it here

Six Ways to Bring in Visuals to Your work -Read Part 1 here. Read Part 2 here

Group and Team Coaching Myth - Everyone Engages in the Same Way. Read it here

Group and Team Coaching Myth 0 More is More in Terms of  Program Design Read it here

Three Core Elements of any Group Coaching Program - Read it here

Coaching Questions - Year End Review (December 2015) - Read it Here.

6 Coaching Questions to Strengthen Connection in Group and Team Coaching - Read it here

What's the Difference Between Group and Team Coaching? - Read it here

Three Keys to Marketing Group Coaching (the inspiration for an on-demand program I launched this spring dedicated to Marketing. It's called Marketing Tips for Your Team and Group Programs. You can enroll for 24/7 access here and take the program at your own pace).  Read the blog post here

and finally a link to the Eleventh Annual Group and Team Programs call

I want to wish you the best of success for 2016 and enjoy these last few hours of our current year!

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, PCC, CPCC, CPT
GroupCoachingEssentials.com | Potentials Realized
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2009) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
(416)996-8326

Join me in January to sharpen your coaching skills, amp up your group and team coaching work and/or coaching business:
Group Coaching Essentials teleclass starting Thursday January 7th from 10:15 - 11:30 am ET (8.75 CCEs with the ICF)
Mentor Coaching Group starting Friday January 8th from 9-10 am ET (for ACC Renewals and ACC/PCC portfolio routes
The six and twelve month Learning Lab and Design Studio membership group which includes two group calls  a month, a Facilitation Lab, access to a treasure-trove of resources, and some 1-1 time with me monthly

Four Critical Success Factors for Team Coaching

This fall I was asked by participants at the Team and Group Coaching Intensive what were the critical

success factors for team coaching engagements. Given that team coaching engagements are often longer in length with more touchpoints and time involved, it is critical that we get things right.

A critical success factor is something that is essential for success. That's a pretty strong statement, and after dozens of team coaching engagements, I shared the following four as critical success factors for the teams I have coached whether they have been in customer service, health care, financial services or consumer goods:

1. Leader Engagement and Openness - The engagement and buy in of the leader is absolutely essential. Without their active participation and openness to not only the team coaching process, but supporting change and crreating n enabling environment is key.
Sometimes team coaching points to areas the leader needs to take responsibility for. As such, it is important for us to spend time with the leader preparing them, and priming them, for potential change and their role.

Without leader engagement and openness, even the best team coches can only have limited impact on the team and its' system.

2. Linkage into regular/ongoing team practices - Teams have a lifespan outside of our work with them. Therefore, it is important that as coaches we have team members make the connection back to their work with the commitments and practices they want to undertake. For example, if the team is committed to having more direct conversations, a great starting point might be their regular team meetings. Check back with the team regarding what structures they already have in place to support new behaviors, accountability and action/.

3. Masterful team coaches have a variety of tools to pull from. Our ongoing professionl development is key. Acquiring skills, techniques and approaches from a variety of sources can help to build our tolbox. As you think to the new year, what new skills do you want to add? Look to other professional associations outside of the ICF for potential learning opportunities - ATD, the Institute for Performance and Learning,

4. Metrics - Measurement is key starting wiht the begining of the team coching assessment where the team defines that their success measures are. As coaches continue to ask those involved, how can ou measure this? When will be measure this? Given that many team coaching engagements are longer term (i.e. 3 to 6 months or more), consider how you can build in with the team measurement points (i.e. start, mid-point, end point). Be aware of the potential fricition which can exist between measurement, evaluation and confidentiality.

There are definitely more Crticial Success Factors fr this work such as trust, connection and mnay more. What do you see as critical success factors in the work you undertake?

Have a great week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials | Potentials Realized  
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
Join me at the Learning Lab and Design Studio for ongoing group and individual coaching support during 2016. Six and twelve month packages now available.

12th Annual Year End Group Programs Call - Jennifer Britton

Late last week I held my 12th Annual Year End Group Programs call which has become an annual tradition. Over the years, I've migrated from bridgeline, to zoom, to this year's blended format of bridgeline and Blab. If you missed it, you can listen into, and view the 30  min call/presentation here.

In the call I shared four key themes of this year which impacted our work as group and team coaches, facilitators, and trainers. They included:
1. Explosion of technology
2. The different options and combinations needed by clients
3. Value in the variety of tools available
4. Recognition that clients engage in different ways (visual, auditory, kinesthetic

Key needs and focus areas in our work continue to be:
Trust
Connection
When coaching focusing in on goals (as articulated by the clients), support for action and awareness, and on-going accountability
Providing a rich space for conversation

You can also listen into some of the trends I see coming in 2016 - will be blogging on this in early 2016!

What are you doing to create a pause for the end of the year? Do you journal? Retreat? Join me for a one day retreat on Thursday December 17(8-4pm Eastern/NewYork) where over the course of 8 hours we'll be doing a combination of group calls, individual reflection and I'll be available throughout the day for some 1-1 laser coaching. You'll also have ongoing access to the Inner Biz Leader Virtual Business Planning Retreat on-demand program which you can return to quarter after quarter at your own pace. Cost: $495 for the day, or save 35% at http://bitly.com/dec17vrspecial.

Have a great weekend,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials | Potentials Realized  
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
Join me at the Learning Lab and Design Studio for ongoing group and individual coaching support during 2016. Six and twelve month packages now available. 

Coaching Questions - Year End Review and Vision for the Next Year

This is an exciting part of the year where many of our coaching clients want to take stock of the year

Photo D. Lupeneau - Freeimages.com

that was and look ahead to the vision for their next year. That was the inspiration for today's post.

In my December newsletter I include 10 Activities you may want to undertake as part of your year end process with groups and teams. You can read it here.

Some of the questions I like to use at year end include:
What do you want to celebrate about 2015? What have been your greatest achievements this year?
What opportunities have provided you with the greatest learning? What have been those key learnings?
Who has helped you be successful?
What has helped your successes?
What obstacles have you overcome?
AS you look back at the year, how would you sum it up in 1-2 sentences?

AS you look ahead to the new year:
What is your intention for the new year?
What are the top three goals you have set for yourself? (or what are your main goals if people find it too hard to isolate or prioritized just a couple)
What's going to support you to be at your best?
What might get in the way? How can you be proactive to make sure this doesn't happen?
What is really important to you in 2016?
What plans do you have to recharge? Renew?
What commitments are you making to yourself for 2016?


I do a lot of visioning work at this time of year and you can listen into a 10 minute vision piece for yourself and your business at the Inner Biz Leader Virtual Business Planning Retreat. Scroll towards the bottom of the page where you will see all of the elements of the course including the Audio on Vision. (with the Preview button highlighted).

Perhaps you will even consider joining me for the one day virtual retreat session I will be holding on Thursday December 17th between 8-4 pm ET by phone. I'll be leading the group through both group activities and I will be available for one on one conversations throughout the day as well. You can save 35% off using this special link.

As you start this week consider how you would like to schedule time for yourself for planning for 2016 and reflecting on 2015. Not sure what areas you might find yourself coaching around in 2016? View last week's Group Coaching Design Studio blab (Blab 6.2) where I cover 24 areas coaches often find themselves coaching around. Enjoy!

Have a great start to the week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials | Potentials Realized  
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
Join me at the Learning Lab and Design Studio for ongoing group and individual coaching support during 2016. Six and twelve month packages now available. 

A reminder too that the 12th annual year end call will be held on Thursday December 10th at 12 noon ET at the Group Coaching Design Studio blab, or you can dial in to 1-805-399-1000, access 998223. No cost to attend other than your own long distance charges to connect by phone.