Group Coaching Exercises: Five Considerations

Whether it is your first meeting with a new group, or your tenth, here are five things to consider when selecting a tools/exercise/questions for your next group session:

1. What's the theme that's bringing this group together? What is the topic/focus area that is their priority (or agenda) that they want coaching on?
2. Where is the group in terms of it's own development? Is this a newly forming group that doesn't know each other, or is this a group which has developed strong bonds of trust and intimacy. What do they require from you? Check out past posts I've written on group development.
3. What does the group enjoy in terms of pace and engagement. I often speak about the unique rhythm and culture of each group I work with. Some groups love deep conversation as a larger group, others feel more comfortable connecting in smaller groups. What is the pace that they enjoy?
4. What are the different learning styles within the group? Working with a group who has kinesthetic learning as a preference, will be different from those who are more auditory.
5. How much time do you have together? What's your room set up like (or is it virtual)? Never underestimate just how much time it will take for conversation, reflection and action planning.

Next time you are considering what tools/questions/exercises you are bringing into your group coaching, reflect on these five questions.

I invite you to add any other questons you think coaches may find useful. As always, feel free to comment below.

Have a great week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Phone: 416.996.TEAM (8326)
Email: info{at}potentialsrealized{dot}com
Check out our upcoming programs: Group Coaching Essentials and the Group Coaching Intensive as well as our Mentor Coaching Group