6 Ways to Boost Group Engagement

I've had a lot of emails from readers of my monhtly newsletter indicating that they really enjoyed March's article on boosting group engagement, so I thought that you might like to read it here:

6 Ways to Boost Group Engagement
Copyright 2010 - Jennifer Britton, All Rights Reserved.

Engaging your groups can mean the difference between a mediocre group program (workshop, retreat or group coaching program) and a GREAT one. So, how exactly do you boost engagement?

Here are a few tips:

1. Remember less is more. How much time are you talking and how much air space are you leaving for people to be in converstation with one another? Build in opportunities for both large group discussion, as well as paired or triad work.

2. Meet the needs of different personality styles. Keep in mind that more intraverted members of a group, and those who need more time to process, may require more time to speak or answer. Don't be afraid to build in pauses for reflection and note-taking or journalling. Silence is good!

3. Mix up your program approaches to meet the needs of different learning styles. Keep in mind that you will probably have a mix of different learnimg stylesduring your programs. There will be those who prefer to learn (and perceive the world) visually, by hearing and those who like to learn by doing (kinesthetically). What changes or options can you provide with the different exercises you are incorporating into your programs?

4. Take the pulse of the group regularly throughout a session. Notice, and get the group to notice, and comment on, the energy levels (and dips of the group). If a dip occurs what do you need to do next?

5. Ask the group. One of the great strengths of the group coaching process is the ownership the group has the potential to create over time. Ask the group what will boost their engagement.

6. And finally! Remember that sometimes a "change is as good as a rest". Changing pace by asking a question, moving to a samll group discussion, paired exercise, or relfective writing piece, may provide the boost that the group needs.

What tips will you incorporate into your next group program?

Warm wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPT
Group Coaching Essentials - next programs start April 6th (7-8:15 pm ET) and April 14th (12:30 - 1:45 pmET)
Author of Effective Group Coaching
Phone: 416.996.8326
Email info{at}potentialsrealized.com