Coaching Business Builder - 5 Useful Templates for Group Coaching

Why reinvent the wheel if you don't need to? Templates and systems can really move your business ahead. As I have written in past posts, systems can really make life (and work) more productive for business owners.

A template has been defined by the American Heritage Dictionary of Business Terms as:

template

1. A reusable form or pattern utilized to create objects with an identical shape. For example, a template is used to spray-paint symbols on a parking lot.
2. An electronic document with established margins, text, and graphics that can be used to create standardized documents and records

Some core templates you may wish to develop for your own work include:
1. Welcome Letters (for different programs you run) for new registrants - this should include dates, times, locations, any pre-work, any materials they should bring with them, and any other relevant logistical (and contact details)
2. Registration and Attendance Trackers - If your programs are accredited it will be necessary to track attendance. It is always useful to have hard (and soft) copies of your registration on hand, including a mobile phone contact (in the event of bridgeline malfunction, or late arrivals for a program)
3. An Achievement Tracker/Pre-Session Prep Forms: A template where clients/group members can list their own successes, questions and achievements in between coaching sessions. This may be a separate form or one that is integrated into a workbook.
4. Follow up Communication - What would be useful to follow up with your group members on? Follow up can be an important tool for evaluation purposes (for you and for group members). Are there specific areas/activities you want to track?
5. Coaching Log - for those who are working towards ICF accreditation or certification through other bodies, a coaching log is a must have! Whether you use paper, or use a computerized program such as Coaches Console, track your hours. Remember that every hour spent coaching a group counts as one hour, as long as there are no more than 15 members of the group.

Have a great week!

Jennifer


Jennifer Britton, MES, CPCC, PCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2011)
Join us for the ICF Accredited Group Coaching Essentials program (6.75 CCEs) or our upcoming 2 day in person Group Coaching Intensive (July 14-15, 2011)