Engaging Your Groups - 4 Ways

I've spoken with a number of virtual and in-person groups over the past few weeks about the importance of engaging your groups throughout a program - whether it is group coaching, or even a teleclass. Keeping the pace of your program moving is a key consideration for any facilitator.

Here are four things you can do to engage a group during your next call:

1. Pause and ask a question to the group - If the group size is small enough, hear from everyone. If the group size is large, hear from a few members.

2. Ask group members to write down their thoughts to a question - Encourage group members to write things down during a program. This becomes a "take-away" or record for their insights and thoughts, which they can refer to at a later date. Our moments of brilliance are never planned. Who knows what seeds you will encourage through your group process.

3. Encourage kinesthetics - No, that's not calisthenics, but kinesthetics. Increasingly learners are interested in learning through doing. How can you encourage activity and hands-on practice in your next program.

4. Create break-outs: Rather than being the "talking head" at the front of the room, how can you turn the reins over and let your group do the work. Whether you are face to face or virtual, consider how smaller group discussion can foster more meaningful engagement.

What other ways do you like to engage your groups? As always, I look forward to hearing your insights - feel free to comment below.

Have a great start to the week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, CPCC, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials.com
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: 416.996.8326

Next Group Coaching Essentials program starts tomorrow - Nov 16th at 2 pm (Eastern) - Two spots still open. Accredited for 6.75 CCEs with ICF. Next start dates Nov 30th and January 13th.

Registrations are also open for the Year End Virtual Business Planning Retreat - Join me for a day of FUN, reflection and ACTION on Friday December 17th (10-4 pm Eastern). Start 2011 with a plan!