Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Group Facilitation Tip - Switch It Up

If you’ve been coaching or facilitating for a while you may notice that you have a tendency to revert to the same old, same old. Whether it’s using the same old exercises, or using the same old tricks, today’s post is an encouragement to shake it up a little, and try something different.

Consider what your ruts are (with respect to design, marketing or implementation).

  1. What biases do you hold as a coach or facilitator?
  2. What’s really comfortable for you? What would stretch you?
  3. Where do you recycle the “same old, same old”

Here are 5 quick ideas to perhaps spark you to switch things up, next time:

- Try a different introductory or closure exercise – refer to sites like Wilderdom.com or BusinessBalls.com for some new ideas

- Take note of what type of learners you tend to focus your delivery approach to. Is this representative of the groups you work with? What can you do to bring in a more kinesthetic approach to your exercises? A more auditory or visual approach?

- Research a new tool you could bring in to stimulate discussion, exploration or action for your group members. Sites like CoachingToys.com or TrainersWarehouse.com may spark some new ideas for you.

- Look around at others for some new innovative marketing ideas – maybe it’s time to add some video, start that blog, or start tweeting

- Take a look at what type of feedback you are getting. What would participants/clients like more of from you?

What’s going to be the one area you want to switch up as you look to your fall programming?

Have a great week!

Warm regards

Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC

Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)

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