Common Challenges for New Group Coaches

Coaches new to group coaching often ask, where might I face some challenges? The following are some key areas to keep an eye on as you prepare to run your first (or second, or twentieth program). While these may be more common to new group coaches, I would assert that they are issues we should all keep an eye on regardless of experience level:

1. Coaching Skills and Approaches - Remember that group coaching is grounded in core coaching competencies. Group Coaching is not about being an expert and leading a workshop. What is the ideal mix of coaching and information for your group? You may want to reference what I've written about the Group Program Continuum in my book Effective Group Coaching which goes more in-depth with the differences and similarities between group coaching, workshops and retreats).

2. Remembering the power of accountability - Coaching is different as a profession than training and facilitation, with a heavier emphasis on action and accountability (reference the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Survey). What types of field work are you creating for your group members? What coaching requests or challenges are you making? What inquiries are you leaving the group, or members of the group with.

3. Trying to Fit in Too Much - For years I've talked about the Group Coaching Best Practice of "Less is More". Participants/clients benefit from dialogue, sharing and reflection during a group coaching process. What topics or content can be moved into another session, or moved into a takeaway or homework assignment.

4. Not placing enough emphasis on building trust and respect within the group - Building Trust and Intimacy is one of the core coaching competencies of the ICF. Spend sufficient time in the first group coaching session for members to get to know each other. You may also want to consider a pre-program call to start establishing a relationship with group members individually.

5. Forgetting to Evaluate - Coaching as a profession places emphasis on "Holding a client's agenda" or focusing on the issues that are important to the group. Evaluation, at the end of each session, and throughout a program is critical to get feedback on the themes you are working around, the approach, the pace and rhythm of the work. Wherever possible build in opportunities for the group to increasingly co-create the program with you.

6. Recognizing that a Group Process is Unfolding - For groups that are more intensive in terms of program length or delivery, it is possible that Tuckman's Stages of Group Development will be emerging. Take a look at previous blog posts to see what I've said about group process. I'll also be addressing the issue of group dynamics in Group Coaching next month at the Group Coaching SIG (August 4th).

This list is by no means exhaustive. What other challenges do you do see as common for coaches new to group coaching? Feel free to comment below.

Have a great week, and looking forward to meeting several of you in person on Thursday and Friday as I run the Group Coaching Intensive in Huntsville. Still one more spot open!

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
Next Group Coaching Essentials program begins tomorrow, Wednesday July 13th (Wed 10:30-11:45am Eastern: July 13, 20, 27, August 3 and 10). 6.75 ICF CCEs. A couple spots still open!