More and more coaches are expanding their work these days to include group coaching programs run by phone. Phone based programs have the benefit of being able to reach a much larger cross-section of individuals, as well as the convenience for particpants of being able to connect, and learn, from whereever they want -- home, office or even cottage.
As a facilitator or coach, phone based programs offer the added advantages of low (or no) overhead, and the convenience of connecting in "right away" with your clients, with no travel time!
Whether you are new, or experienced, when it comes to phone based group coaching work, here are some key considerations when hosting your next call:
1. Select a reliable bridgeline service: Not all bridgeline services are equal. Select a bridgeline that works for you and your clients in terms of location, relability and services associated. Does the bridgeline offer a toll free call in option? At what cost? Does the bridgeline offer call recording services -- free or at cost?
2. Call Recording: I often get asked about recording group coaching calls...how to do it and if you should do it. Typically, I digitally record each call for internal group playback only. This added feature is often seen as a great benefit for participants who might not be able to make all the calls, and want to be able to listen in at their convenience.
3. Examine your call length: How long do you really need for your group coaching call? Will an hour be enough? Map out your exercises and content prior to finalizing your call length and time (see next point).
4. Examine your call content: Many of you have heard me speak, or have read my comments on, the 80/20 rule to content development. Less is more is an adeage I promote with group coaching. When considering what to include in your next group coaching session, set aside 20 percent of what you thought you would cover and leave this as seeds for a new program, or a new session. Notice what happens when you provide more space for dialogue.
5. Check In with Your Clients Regularly - Lacking the visual cues of face to face work, group coaching work by phone requires a different focus on how engaged your clients are throughout the session. Check in frequently with your clients -- it may be by asking a question and having all participants pop with their responses, or it may be asking them to self-evaluate their own engagement levels of a 0-10 scale.
6. Consider what twists or adaptations you need to make on some of your favorite face-to-face exercises and tools. Many coaches and facilitators are surprised at how some of their favorite activities can be adapted for phone based work. What changes do you need to make? What pre-work can be undertaken before the call? What new supports/tools need to be developed to have this exercise fly by phone?
Phone based work can have tremendous impact for both your client and yourself. What's your learning edge around taking your work to a virtual setting? What skills do you need to develop? What things do you need to put into place?
Consider these 6 tips prior to your next phone based program, and see what difference it makes. As always, I welcome your comments, questions and thoughts -- please feel free to comment below.
Warm wishes,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton, PCC, CHRP, CPT
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