Monday, October 12, 2009

7 Reasons to Co-Facilitate Group Coaching

Many coaches ask if co-facilitation is recommended when working with groups and teams. Throughout the years I have enjoyed great co-facilitation experiences, and for the most part today, whenever I undertake in-person work with large groups, co-facilitation is a must. Even with smaller groups, in more intensive interactions, such as team coaching, co-faciliation is my preference.

Here are seven reasons why co-facilitation makes great sense:

1. When working with larger groups, it makes it much easier to keep an eye on the group process;
2. The diverse styles many co-facilitators bring, allow for connections with different participants. Not everyone resonates, and connects, the same way with each facilitator;
3. Two heads are often better than one in terms of creativity and new idea generation;
4. Even if group process is running smoothly, it is useful for the "other facilitator" to keep an eye on logistical details (i.e. meals, materials, set up) if they are not leading an exercise;
5. It's easier to take note of outcomes and accountabilities, when you are not leading the discussion;
6. The energy created amongst co-facilitators can help you ride through the peaks and valleys of energy throughout the day;
7. It can be a lot more fun as you hopefully have created a partnership that you can lean into.

What are your reasons why you like to co-facilitate?

A bonus chapter of my book, Effective Group Coaching, is all about Co-facilitation and will be chock full of more tips and questions to consider when co-facilitating. Stay tuned for more details, and take note to circle back in January when the book is launched.

Have a great week and do check out earlier posts I've written about co-facilitation and what to consider.

Warm regards,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, CPT
Potentials Realized
Group Coaching Essentials
Email info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Phone: (416) 996-TEAM (8326)

This month's Group Coaching Essentials program starts Tuesday October 13th at 7pm (Eastern). Join me and gain valuable tips, tools, resources and exercises for your own group coaching work. There are still 3 spaces available. The program is also accredited for 6.25 CCEs (Continuing Coach Education Units) by the ICF for those ACCs, PCCs, and MCCs needing to recertify (including 4.25 hours of Core Competencies). Give me a call at (416) 996-8326 if you are ready to add group coaching to your offerings and want to get started right away!

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