Exercises: The Backbone of Any Program

Exercises: The Backbone of Any Program
Copyright 2009 - Jennifer Britton. All Rights Reserved.

I am preparing this month for a number of team and group engagements -- both in person work and virtual work. I am reminded of how exercises really form the backbone of any group coaching or team coaching program.

When considering your next choice of exercise, consider the following questions:

1. What is the theme/message/learning you want to create for the exercise?
2. What's the tempo that will work for the group?
3. How will this exercise support different learning styles?
4. How will it compliment other exercises - in terms of theme/learning styles?
5. What risks are associated with this exercise?
6. When would this exercise be most suited in terms of placement - i.e. icebreaker, closure exercises etc?
7. What else does this exercise need as a compliment?
8. What questions should follow/be part of this exercise to allow the group to learn the most from it (jot down 3-5 questions you will follow the exercise with).

Challenge this week: If you are preparing for a new program, use these questions to help you take your exercise choice to the next level.
If you don't have a new program on the books, but are looking to create the foundation for a new one of your own, pick a theme (i.e. leadership, work-life balance) and spend 30-60 minutes gathering/researching exercises you could include.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out James Neill's Wilderdom.com -- which houses a really fantastic resource base of group exercises (copyleft!). Thanks James for this contribution. Know of other resources -- please feel free to comment below!

Have a great week!

Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Group Coaching Essentials
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1960
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com

PS -- There are still a few spaces in two programs which are starting this week: Group Coaching Essentials starts Wednesday evening from 8-9:15 pm (ET) this week (Jan 14th), and the 90 Day BizSuccess starts Friday (the 16th) at 12 noon (ET). Looking forward to having you join me!