The 80/20 Rule

A number of coaches often ask me "How do I know how much content to fit into a group coaching session?". From my perspective there seems to be a large continuum of what is being classified as group coaching these days - from the traditional "teleclass" model, where the coach does a vast majority of the talking and information delivery, to an organic "dance" with the clients, where the clients bring the agenda.

I often speak about the 80/20 rule when designing programs for groups. There is an innate tendency for coaches, trainers etc. to want to fit "everything" into their program. This can lead to overload for the participants, as well as a more directive programleaving little space for the participants to discover new information or insights or to try them on.

The 80/20 rule works like this - take a look at the overall information you want to cover during an upcoming program or session. What would happen if you took away 20% of the material? Would it leave more space for personal discovery? Less overload? More space for discussion and sharing?

My request for you is to carve up your upcoming program into the 20% you will put aside for another program, and the 80% you are going to keep. What happens? I'd be very interested in hearing about the outcome - send me an email to jennifer@potentialsrealized.com or use the comment link below. I will be publishing several responses for an upcoming e-book I have planned, and would be pleased to share your experience with the 80/20 rule (as well as your contact information).

I will be talking much more about the 80/20 rule, and putting it into practice with coaches who join me in Toronto on April 29-30th for the Group Coaching Essentials Intensive - a two day, hands-on skill building program, which will provide coaches with the opportunity to create their own group coaching program and its marketing. For more information, give me a call at 1-866-217-1960. An Early Bird discount of $100 is in effect until the beginning of April.

All the best for your continued success,
Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, CPCC