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.