Metaphors show up frequently in any coaching process, whether you are working with individuals, teams and groups. I often get asked by coaches as to how to work with metaphors in a team or group coaching context.
Metaphors, such as, "powerful as a firecracker", "fast like a rapid", "slow like a lazy bend on a river", "captain of the ship" can be a rich area for groups and teams to discover/explore in the coaching realm.
As a coach take note of the metaphors which show up within your group context. They may emerge as themes through the course of conversation, or as a result of an actual coaching exercise (i.e. vision for a team or group).
In your next group coaching process, consider the following:
1. What metaphors are showing up in speech of the group?
2. What are you noticing about the themes that are emerging?
3. How might a metaphor bond the group together (i.e. if you are hearing about ships and roles on it, how does this support the group)?
4. Is there a metaphor that would illustrate what you are noticing about the group/team process?
5. Is there a metaphor for the group to take forward to their work/life this week?
What are some of the common metaphors you have seen?
As always, please feel free to comment below!
Warm regards
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
Upcoming events include the ICF Accredited CCE programs: Group Coaching Intensive - July 14 -15 in Huntsville, Canada (15 CCEs - 1 spot left) and the Group Coaching Essentials program (by phone - starting July 13th (Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:45 am ET: July 13, 20, 27, August 3 and 10, 2011:6.75 CCEs, 3 spots open)
It is easy to spend vast amounts of time and money on a Corporate Team Coaching event, but realize little return. Planning and structuring your team event around a few simple principles will help guarantee a more effective team after the event is long over.
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